Why is seafood so healthy, and what are the health benefits of eating it?
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Seafood is an important part of a healthy diet. It contains protein, vitamins, minerals, and Omega-3 fatty acids that are good for your heart and overall health. There are many reasons why seafood is an important part of a healthy diet. Seafood is very high in a variety of daily vitamins our body needs to function at its best. A common misconception about seafood is that it has high cholesterol levels.
One serving of shrimp can contain as much as 10g of cholesterol but that doesn’t mean you should avoid it. Like most foods, it does come down to moderation. Additionally, not all seafood contains a high amount of cholesterol either.
Besides the cholesterol misconception, research has shown that people who eat more seafood, such as fish and other aquatic animals, have a lower risk of developing heart diseases and some types of cancer. The omega-3 fatty acid DHA, which is found in most fish oil supplements, has been found to be essential for maintaining healthy cells in the body.
So, one of the most important things you can do for your health is to start adding more seafood to your diet. As mentioned, seafood is a great source of omega-3 fats and minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and selenium. Omega-3s reduce inflammation, while minerals can help with reducing pain and improving cardiovascular health.
With that, you can see the obvious benefits of adding more seafood into your diet. Let’s look at some of the individual benefits of seafood and then at some of the healthiest kinds of seafood you can buy and incorporate into your diet.
Different Types of Seafood and their Benefits
Seafood is the best way to get many of the nutrients that you need. The most common type of seafood is fish which we know that there are dozens of kinds of fish to choose from. However, there are many other types of seafood like clams, lobsters, oysters, and crabs. All of this seafood has different benefits so let’s take a closer look at some of the few.
Benefits of clams
Clams provide a variety of benefits for your health. They are high in protein and also contain selenium, zinc, and iodine. Clams can be cooked in many different ways so you can get creative with them and add them to just about any dish.
Benefits of fish
Fish is overall beneficial for your brain, heart, and weight. It can help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and dementia. In addition to these benefits, it also contains omega-3 fatty acids that have been proven to have a positive effect on depression and anxiety. Like many of the different seafood on this list, fish can be used in a variety of ways and in a number of dishes, it can be fried or eaten raw in dishes like sushi.
Benefits of crabs
Crabs are a great source of protein and omega-3. They can be a healthy addition to a diet that is low in fat or calories, which makes them an excellent weight-loss tool.
Benefits of oysters
Oysters are an excellent source of zinc, selenium, vitamin B12, copper, and omega-3 fatty acids. Oysters also provide essential nutrients for our bodies, which helps prevent disease. Not only do oysters contain these nutrients, but they are also low in calories and taste delicious.
Benefits of lobsters
Lobsters are among the most delicious and nutritious foods available. They can be enjoyed in a variety of ways such as boiled, broiled, grilled, deep-fried, and more. The healthy protein in lobster is essential for building muscle mass and maintaining overall wellness. The calcium that lobsters contain has been known to help with weight loss and other metabolic disorders such as diabetes.
While it’s clear to immediately note the different benefits seafood can offer, there is specific seafood that is the absolute best for your health and should be incorporated into your everyday diet.
7 Types Of Seafood You Should Eat More Often
Seafood is a good source of protein and vitamin B12, and it provides cardiovascular protection. Fish, a type of seafood is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help with brain and memory function.
Even if you aren’t a big fan of fish, there are other types of seafood that you should eat more often to add the value of these vitamins and nutrients to your body. Some of these types include shrimp, clams, lobster, scallops, and salmon.
Salmon has been shown to decrease the risk for diabetes and arthritis. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids that can improve brain function. If you aren’t sure where to start when incorporating more seafood into your diet, here are some of the top 7 types of seafood you should enjoy more often.
- Tuna
Tuna is a type of salt-water fish that is found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Tuna is typically served as a dish with pasta or rice, but can also be served in sandwiches, salads, or casseroles. The health benefits of tuna include high levels of protein and omega-3 fatty acids which are important for heart health and reducing the risk of cancer.
- Salmon
Salmon is a type of seafood that is often underutilized. It has many nutritional benefits which are difficult to replicate in other forms of food. Eating one piece of salmon per week provides you with the omega-3 fatty acids your body needs to stay healthy. Salmon also contains important minerals like potassium, phosphorous, and selenium that help maintain your heart health.
- Scallops
Scallops are a great source of protein and healthy fats. They taste delicious and can be eaten raw, grilled, boiled, or baked. They make a perfect meal for summer because they can be cooked in less than 10 minutes. Scallops are a healthy choice for a seafood dish. They’re low in calories and fat, and high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Scallops are also rich in B vitamins, particularly B12, which are essential for helping your body produce new cells. These omega-3s reduce inflammation in the body that may lead to heart disease or arthritis.
- Shrimp
Shrimp is a seafood that has been classified as a “healthy” food. Shrimp is low in fat, high in protein, and contains good amounts of iron. Shrimp is also a good source of vitamin A. They are also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids which are important for cardiovascular health. Shrimp is a delicious and healthy protein that can be used in many different ways. It can be eaten on its own, added to pasta dishes, or added to salads.
- Oysters
Oysters are a great source of zinc, which is an essential mineral for your immune system. Oysters are also rich in vitamin B-12, which is needed for the proper functioning of our cells and can help prevent anemia. Like many of the seafood picks on this list, oysters are a delicacy and healthy addition to your everyday diet.
Some people say that one oyster can provide enough protein to last throughout the day. In addition, oysters are low in calories, they’re a great food option for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.
- Crab
Crab is very healthy. It has tons of Omega-3s, which are great for your heart. It’s low in calories and high in protein. Crab also contains lots of important nutrients like choline, selenium, and copper. Getting fresh crab locally is always best, though it’s not an option available for everyone. In that case, store-bought crab remains a top option.
- Tilapia
Tilapia is a great substitute for your traditional protein options. This is because tilapia contains significant amounts of protein, B vitamins, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Tilapia is also a great option to replace other less healthy meat products in your diet as it has a very low-fat content and is high in protein.
Conclusion: Why is seafood the healthiest type of food?
Seafood is the healthiest type of food because it contains various nutrients without other factors that could end up harming your health.
We should not think that all foods are created equal and that processed foods are just as nourishing as natural ones. We know through various studies that, they can be quite harmful.
You should incorporate more seafood into your diet if you value your health. Likewise, seafood works out a lot cheaper than processed junk found on the shelves.
Seafood is a wonderful way to get a healthy dose of protein and essential nutrients. In fact, some dietary coaches recommend that animal proteins should not comprise more than 10% of one’s diet. So why not pick the healthiest animal protein of the bunch? As mentioned, seafood is also considerably cheaper than processed junk found on the shelves, which can wreak havoc on your health and bank account.
It’s important when transitioning into a healthier diet to consider the long term benefits, some of the more natural and healthier food options (including seafood) may cost a bit more upfront, but what you’re paying now, won’t need to be paid for later, in your health.
So what seafood will you be having tonight?