In today’s busy, stressful, and hectic world, it’s essential to eat healthy. Therefore everybody needs to know evidence based health benefits of seafood. Our health and overall well-being is directly related to the food we eat. You may have indulged in a little too much these days, but it’s time to take charge of your health. It’s time to watch what you eat and make sure you’re getting the right nutrients out of your food. Eating boring food isn’t the only option.
Fresh, seasonal, and delicious seafood are the best way to get the nutrients you need from your food. It’s no wonder that restaurants that only sell fish products, like sushi bars, are getting more and more popular. Fish is one of the healthiest foods on the planet. It’s high in protein, vitamins and minerals. It’s also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for your overall health and brain.
In this blog post, you will look at the main health benefits of eating fish and other sea products. Further, benefits of eating seafood for your physical and mental health as well.
Here are top 15 evidence based health benefits of eating seafood
1. High in important nutrients
Seafood contains a large amount of protein, as well as a variety of other nutrients. Fish, shellfish, clams and shrimp are all high in protein and contain a variety of vitamins and minerals. Fish is full of nutrients that most of us don’t get. High-quality proteins, iodine, vitamins and minerals are all found in fish. Fatty species are often thought to be the healthiest because they are high in fat-rich nutrients, such as vitamin D, which many people are deficient in.
Fatty fish also contain omega-3 fats, which are essential for good body and brain health and are strongly associated with a lower risk of many illnesses. Eating fatty fish is recommended at least one or two times a week.
According to research, many people do not get enough of some of the nutrients found in seafood. These nutrients include vitamins B12, B6, and selenium as well as iron, zinc, and other minerals. These deficiencies can have a negative impact on your body and mental health, and can increase your risk of developing health conditions such as anemia and depression. Eating seafood could help fill in some of the nutritional gaps that people have, especially if they have a low-nutrient diet or low-blood-nutrient blood levels. This is especially true for young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and women who are breastfeeding.
2. Good for heart
Fish is one of the most healthful foods you can eat. Numerous large observational studies show that people who eat fish regularly have a lower risk of having a heart attack or stroke, as well as heart disease. It is believed that fatty fish are even more beneficial for heart health because it contains omega-3 fatty acids.
Heart disease is one of the top killers in the world, so it’s important to do whatever you can to keep your heart healthy. Fortunately, seafood is packed with omega-3s, which can help protect your heart. Studies show that men who eat more fish each week are 15% less likely to develop heart disease.
3. Eases joint pain
We all know that feeling of getting older including aching joints and a stiff back and sides but maybe those aches and pains can be somewhat alleviated by simply eating more seafood and reaping the benefits. It has been proven that eating seafood regularly eases arthritis symptoms, and there is also evidence to suggest that the omega-3 that you get from fish and seafood can ease joint pain and help those who have rheumatoid arthritis.
4. Contain nutrients that are crucial during development
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should make sure they are getting enough omega 3 fatty acids (DHA), which are essential for growing and developing the brain and eye. However, some fish contain high levels of mercury, which has been linked to brain development issues. Pregnant women should limit their intake of omega 3 fatty acids to a maximum of 12 ounces per week (340 grams). They should also avoid eating raw or uncooked fish, as it may be contaminated with microorganisms that could harm the fetus.
5. May boost brain health
As you age, your brain function tends to decline. Mild mental decline is common, but severe neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s can also occur. Many observational studies have shown that people who consume more fish experience slower mental decline. Studies have also found that people who consume fish on a weekly basis have more gray matter, the main functional tissue of the brain, in the areas of the brain that control emotions and memory.
6. Improve mental health
A study found that over 40% of people have low levels of vitamin D. This might not seem like a problem until you learn that vitamin D is also key in regulating your mood and fighting off depression. Thankfully the “sunshine” vitamin is found in large quantities in a range of delicious fish and seafood. Fish such as salmon, herring, and cod have enough vitamin D to keep you feeling good and what is even better is that they taste delicious.
7. May help prevent and treat depression
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions in the world. It is characterized by feelings of sadness, loss of energy, and a lack of interest in activities and life. Although it is not as widely discussed as heart disease, obesity, or diabetes, depression is one of the biggest health issues in the world. Eating fish regularly has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing depression. Numerous controlled trials have also shown that omega 3 fatty acids may help fight depression and improve the effectiveness of anti-depressants. Fish and Omega-3 fatty acid may also help other mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder.
8. A good dietary sources of vitamin D
Vitamin D is a naturally occurring hormone in the body that acts like a steroid hormone. Fish and fish products are some of the best sources of vitamin D. The highest amounts of vitamin D can be found in fatty foods like salmon and herring. A large portion of cooked salmon (4 ounces) contains nearly all of the daily amount of vitamin D needed. A single tablespoon (15 mL) of some fish oils (like cod liver oil) contains over 200% of the daily Value (DV). If you’re not getting enough sun or eating fatty fish regularly, you may want to consider taking vitamin D supplements.
9. May reduce your risk of autoimmune diseases
Autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes are caused by the body’s immune system mistakenly attacking and damaging healthy tissues. Several studies have shown an increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes in kids and autoimmune type diabetes in adults when consuming omega-3s or fish oil. It’s possible that the omega-3s in fish and fish oils, along with vitamin D, are to blame. While the evidence is mixed at best, some scientists believe that eating fish can also lower your risk of MS and Rheumatoid arthritis.
10. May help prevent asthma in children
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. Over the last few decades, the number of people living with asthma has skyrocketed. Studies have shown that eating fish regularly reduces the risk of developing asthma by 24% in children, but not as much in adults.
11. May protect your vision in old age
Elderly people are more likely to develop AMD, which is the leading cause of loss of vision and blindness in the elderly. Some studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fish, may protect against AMD. For example, one study found that women who ate fish on a regular basis were 42% less likely to develop AMD. Another study found that eating fatty fish on a weekly basis was 53% less likely to lead to neovascular “wet” AMD.
12. Helps maintain eyesight
It’s no secret that everyone needs reading glasses at some point in their lives. You have all been diagnosed with Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) at some point in your lives. According to research, eating a good amount of fish and seafood every week can reduce your risk of neovascular AMD by up to 53%. It’s no surprise that seafood has a positive effect on so many parts of your body, but it can also help keep your senses healthy.
13. Fish may improve sleep quality
Sleep problems are on the rise all over the world. While more blue light exposure could be a contributing factor, some scientists think vitamin D deficiency might also be at play. A 6-month study of 95 middle-aged males found that eating salmon 3 times a week improved sleep and daily performance. The study authors speculated that this was because of the vitamin D content of the salmon.
14. Delicious and easy to prepare
Seafood has so many benefits for your health and mental well-being. Still, it is impossible to forget that the thing we love the most about seafood is the incredible flavor that comes with premium quality seafood.
Preparing fish is easy and delicious. So, adding it to your diet should be pretty straightforward. Eating fish is usually enough to get the benefits if you eat it one or two times a week. Whenever you can, go for wild caught fish over farmed ones. Wild fish isn’t as likely to be contaminated with harmful chemicals and has a higher omega-3 content. You can prepare salmon in a variety of ways, such as baking, frying, sizzling, or boiling. Fish goes great with lots of different grains and veggies.
15. Additional health benefits of seafood consumption
Healthy skin:
You’ve probably noticed that a lot of skin products are oily. The reason behind this is that our skin needs fats. Seafood is rich in proteins, unsaturated fats, and vitamins. This makes it a must-have food for healthy skin, hair, and nails.
Seafood is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant:
Thanks to omega-3, eating seafood reduces inflammation and can relieve pain caused by it. Sea products can also help reduce the risk of some types of cancer due to their antioxidant properties.
Better immune system:
Seafood is rich in vitamin D, selenium, and zinc – which are important nutrients for the body. They are vital parts of the immune system’s response to viruses and bacteria.
Less anxiety and depression:
Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids also reduce levels of anxiety and depression. Furthermore, since seafood is very tasty, you will probably feel happy while you eat it.
Better weight management:
Fish has a very low percentage of carbohydrates. This means that your body won’t produce as much insulin, and you will feel full longer. It’s no wonder that a lot of weight-loss diets incorporate fish and seafood in their meal plans.
Better bone health:
Calcium and vitamin D are essential for strong bones. Seafood is rich in those nutrients. That is why studies have shown that consuming fish products decreases the risk of osteoporosis and improves bone mineral density.
Overall health improvement:
As mentioned above, eating seafood is good for your health, but there are other sustainability benefits to eating seafood as well.
First, it reduces your carbon footprint. Eating fish is a great source of protein for your body, so it’s important to include it in your diet. If you don’t eat seafood, you’ll likely need other protein sources, such as animal proteins or dairy products. Animal products have a much higher negative impact on climate than fish, so eating more fish directly helps to reduce climate change and GHG emissions.
Second, it supports coastal communities. Many cities and towns near the coast depend on the seafood industry for their livelihoods.
Third, it ensures the health of marine ecosystems. Sustainable fishing practices help keep the ocean and sea ecosystems healthy. As consumers, it’s important to choose certified seafood suppliers.
Seafood linked to reduced disease risk:
Seafood is a major source of omega-3 fatty acid (EoP) and DHA (DHA). EoP and DHA are important for many health benefits, such as nerve cell function and inflammation regulation. Dietary high in seafood has been linked to improved nervous and cardiovascular health. Scientists believe this is largely due to the EPA and DHA found in seafood. For instance, studies have shown that people who eat more seafood rich in omega-3s have lower rates of cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline.
Are there downsides to eating seafood?
Based on current evidence, seafood is a healthy dietary choice and provides important nutrients that may be lacking in many people’s diets. Plus, research suggests that diets high in seafood may offer protection against health conditions like CHD and cognitive decline.
However, how and which types of seafood you consume seafood matter. Plus, there are some ethical and environmental concerns linked with seafood consumption.
Fried seafood may harm health:
All types of fried foods, including chicken, potatoes, and fish, cause harmful changes to the food, such as the formation of harmful compounds. Fish, for example, produces HCAs, acrolein, and aldehydes. These compounds are known to increase the risk of diseases such as cancer.
Eating fried fish often has been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer, such as lung and prostate cancer. Fried fish can also have a negative impact on your heart health.
A 2013 study involving 2,268 men showed that those who consumed high amounts of salt or smoked fish were twice as likely to develop advanced prostate cancer, both early and late in life
In addition to the health risks associated with these cooking techniques, frequent consumption of fried and salted foods can also lead to weight gain, hypertension, and other health problems.
Some seafood is high in mercury:
Mercury is a heavy metal found in certain types of seafood. The amount of mercury in seafood depends on the age, size, and water the fish lived in. Mercury is easily absorbed by the body and can cause health problems if too much mercury accumulates in tissues. For example, exposure to high levels of mercury in the womb can lead to cognitive problems in children.
Additionally, high levels of mercury can increase the risk of hypertension and heart attack, as well as damage the immune system. People who consume seafood with high levels of mercury, such as children, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and those who often consume fish, are at a higher risk of developing mercury poisoning. Fish that contain high levels of mercury include: shark, especially certain species of shark, swordfish, tilefish, and king mackerel. Tuna is the most important dietary source of mercury. Raw tuna absorbs more mercury than cooked tuna. Therefore, if you consume raw tuna on a regular basis, you should be aware of the risks of mercury accumulation.
Consumption of low-mercury seafood is typically restricted to smaller fish and shellfish, such as trout, cod, hake, herring, salmon, sardines, oysters, and clams.
Conclusion:
Fish is a wonderful source of high-quality protein. Fatty species also pack heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. What’s more, it has numerous benefits, including vision protection and improved mental health in old age. What’s more, fish is easy to prepare, so you can add it to your diet today.
Reference used:
https://www.bluecart.com/blog/health-benefits-of-seafood
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-health-benefits-of-fish#TOC_TITLE_HDR_1
