One of the top rules of healthy eating is to eat as diverse as possible to make sure you’re getting all types of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that the body needs. If you’re not from a coastal area or from a place where freshwater fishing is popular, it can be easy to forget about the nutritional importance of fish and other seafood.
Make it a habit to include fish and all types of seafood in your weekly meal plan. Here are the top reasons why.
An Excellent Source of Lean Protein
A diet that lacks protein will lead to many health issues since this critical nutrient is responsible for muscle growth, bone strength, and many other important processes in the body. Seafood is an essential source of lean protein, on par with meat and dairy products, but without a high-calorie count and without the unhealthy fats that are common in these other protein sources.
A healthy source of protein like fish or shellfish can help you get in the best shape of your life. To enjoy these nutritional powerhouses, it’s important to learn about Aquaculture Nutrition because for you to enjoy the high nutritional value of fish and other seafood, they too need to be fed sustainable, nutrient-rich food.
Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Vitamins
Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids can fight mental decline, help fight inflammation, improve eye health, alleviate anxiety, and lower the risk of heart disease. The list of proven health benefits goes on and on, which has compelled millions of people to use omega-3 supplements. However, getting omega-3 from a diet is much more efficient.
Herring, mackerel, salmon, crawfish, and black cod are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, so add them to your grocery shopping list. Another important thing to remember is that seafood is one of the few foods that contain vitamin D, which we naturally get from sun exposure. Other nutrients present in all types of fish are calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus.
An Aid for Keeping Illness at Bay
With its impressive content of vitamins and nutrients, seafood can help prevent some of the most common illnesses associated with aging. For example, by eating seafood such as salmon you minimize the risk of cardiovascular disease because compounds in salmon can break down bad cholesterol in your bloodstream.
Due to being low-fat and rich in healthy lipids, seafood can also decrease the risk of Type 2 Diabetes and even reverse some of the effects of this medical condition. With its high amount of omega-3 fatty acids and good cholesterol, seafood can fight inflammation in the body. Since inflammation can lead to the growth of cancerous cells, a seafood-rich diet can help you prevent cancer.
Conclusion
Research studies on aging and longevity have shown that people who live in coastal areas and eat plenty of fish and other seafood live longer and enjoy healthier and more active years in their old age. So, add fish and other types of seafood to your diet. You’ll get your necessary dose of vitamins and nutrients, but also enjoy versatile and delicious meals that’ll keep you lean and energetic.
