Seafood is a highly available, extremely nutritious food. Although it may be an acquired taste for some, most can find some kind of sea creatures that fits their taste. Salmon, tuna, calamari, lobster, or shellfish are all nutritious and delicious sea creatures that can be satisfying yet provide numerous health benefits. Not only is seafood versatile in the ways that it can be cooked, but it is a great addition to many dishes and combines with foods amazingly well. Furthermore, most seafood can be bought canned, which cuts down on cooking time but still provides numerous health benefits. Here are the top three reasons why you should be eating seafood:
1. It is brain food. People who eat fish have been shown to have decreased rates of developing dementia by up to 40%. Furthermore, the Japanese consume the highest amounts of fish per year and also have the lowest rates of depression in the world. Doctors think this may be related to certain nutrients and fatty acids which play a role in reducing inflammation in the brain.
2. It is rich in Omega 3’s. Fish is one of the only foods that naturally contain Omega 3 fatty acids. The best kinds of fish to eat are fatty fish that live in deep sea water such as tuna and salmon. Omega 3’s can prevent cancer, arthritis, high blood pressure, and even heart disease. Because our bodies cannot naturally produce this fatty acid, you need to make sure that you are consuming it as much as possible. If you cannot eat seafood on a regular basis try taking an Omega 3 supplement.
3. Fish is low in saturated fat. Fish contains lower amounts of saturated fat, total fat, and calories than most other poultry and meat products but yet provides high amounts of protein.
Although many people worry about the risks of consuming seafood due to contaminates which may pose some health risks, by making sure you are choosing the right kind of seafood that is treated properly, the risks can be minimized and you can enjoy the many health benefits that these foods have to offer. More information about making knowledgeable consumer decisions regarding buying seafood can be found here.
