What Health Benefits Can You Expect from Eating Seafood?

Seafood has a superb flavor, which is why many people like to eat it. Seafood can be consumed in many different ways, including as a boil-in-bag meal or at a sushi restaurant. Did you know that seafood has a number of health advantages in addition to being a delectable dietary option?

Eating seafood has been linked to numerous health advantages, and the body of seafood supporting this assertion is expanding. In this post, we'll examine seafood's health advantages in more detail and debunk some common seafood fallacies.

Are all types of seafood healthy?

Let's first discuss if all seafood is healthy before moving on to the advantages. In general, seafood is regarded as nutritious and is rich with nutrients. However, some seafood varieties have higher mercury concentrations, which might be bad for your health. The element mercury is one that occurs naturally in the environment. It may move up the food chain and ultimately end up in seafood.

While some mercury is present in all seafood, some fish and shellfish have higher concentrations than others. Swordfish, shark, tilefish, bigeye tuna, marlin, orange roughy, and king mackerel are a few of these. Since mercury can be transmitted from the mother to the child and cause developmental difficulties, pregnant women and young children should avoid or at least minimize eating these types of fish.

The good news is that there are many different seafood selections that are mercury-free and still provide a wealth of health advantages. The majority of shellfish—shrimp, crab, crawfish, and lobster among them—have minimal mercury contents. Cod, tilapia, salmon, and catfish are other excellent choices. Therefore, these are some wonderful options if you want to enjoy the health advantages of seafood without the mercury worries.

5 Advantages of Eating Seafood

Eating seafood has been linked to many health advantages. These consist of:

1. Abundant Source of Protein 

Protein is a crucial macronutrient that supports tissue growth and repair, making it crucial for preserving bodily health. Seafood is a leaner source of protein than pork or beef, thus it has less saturated fat. For those who are aiming to reduce weight or maintain a healthy weight, this makes it a healthier alternative.

2. Provides Beneficial Omega-3 Fatty Acids

It has been demonstrated that omega-3 fatty acids provide a number of health advantages, including the ability to lower inflammation and enhance heart health. Omega-3 fatty acids are abundant in seafood, therefore having it in your diet can help you consume the appropriate quantity of them.

3. High in Minerals and Vitamins

Seafood is a wonderful source of additional vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D and B2, in addition to omega-3 (riboflavin). In addition, it's a good source of zinc, iodine, magnesium, and iron. These vitamins and minerals are crucial for supporting a strong immune system, a functioning thyroid, and bones. It is understandable why seafood is sometimes referred to as "brain food" given how many nutrients are contained in a single serving.

4. May Help in Lowering Heart Disease Risk

One of the biggest causes of death in the globe is heart disease. Thankfully, there are steps you may take to lower your risk of getting this condition. One of them is eating seafood regularly.

By decreasing blood pressure, raising cholesterol levels, and preventing blood clots, studies have shown that consuming seafood can help lessen the risk of heart disease.

5. Could Improve Cognitive Abilities

Omega-3 fatty acids have been found in several studies to aid enhance brain function and lower the risk of cognitive decline. Some of the greatest sources of omega-3 include fatty seafood like tuna, mackerel, and salmon. Therefore, consuming these fish may be beneficial if you're looking for a technique to increase your mental capacity.

Final Comments

Even while some types of seafood have high mercury content, there are still several that are low in mercury and have many health advantages. The advantages above are just a few of the numerous advantages for your health that eating seafood has been linked to. Include seafood in your diet if you're seeking for a delicious and healthful method to enhance your general health. Just keep in mind to select products with low mercury content to minimize any potential health hazards.

It's also important to keep in mind that fresh seafood often has more nutrients than frozen seafood, making it healthier overall. Eating seafood that has been freshly caught and is then either cooked or frozen within 24 hours is the healthiest choice. Therefore, if you have access to fresh seafood, make sure to use it. If not, frozen seafood is still a great choice and can be equally healthful.

If you want to know more about the benefits of eating seafood, this blog post from Seafood Empire will inform you with more facts regarding its consumption