Sea’s Bounty – Essential Nutrition and Health Benefits of Seafood

Sea’s Bounty - Essential Nutrition and Health Benefits of Seafood

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Seafood is delicious, versatile, and has some pretty impressive nutritional benefits too. For example, did you know that the great protein in salmon helps fill you up and keep you full longer so you can curb those late-night snacking habits and get to or maintain a healthy weight? Let’s find out what other nutrition and health benefits eating seafood provides.

Seafood is Chock Full of Nutrients

Seafood is packed full of nutrients — and a lot of them are nutrients that most people are lacking! The nutrients include high-quality protein, iodine, and various minerals and vitamins. Fatty fish are often considered the healthiest because salmon, sardines, tuna, and other fatty fish have a high content of fat-based nutrients, including vitamin D — a fat-soluble nutrient that a lot of people’s diets lack.

Fatty fish also contain omega-3 fatty acids that are critical for optimal body and brain function. Omega-3 fatty acids are also strongly linked to a reduced risk of many diseases, including Alzheimer’s Disease.

The Nutrients Found in Seafood are Essential for Pregnant Women and Developing Children

Omega-3 fatty acids are also essential for growth and development. For example, the omega-3 fat docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is particularly important for the development of the brain and eyes. This is one of the reasons why doctors urge pregnant and breastfeeding women to consume an ample amount of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids also help in the development of the central nervous system, improve immune function, and lower the risk of asthma, allergies, and diabetes in children.

Studies have shown that eating seafood during pregnancy also lowers preterm delivery and increases birth weight.

Seafood is Also Filled with Minerals

Nearly 42% of the U.S. population is deficient or low in Vitamin D — an essential mineral that works like a steroid hormone in the human body. The good news for seafood lovers is that fish is among the best dietary sources of Vitamin D, and fatty fish, like salmon, contain the highest amounts of Vitamin D. A single four-ounce serving of cooked salmon packs 100% of the recommended intake of vitamin D!

Other minerals that are prevalent in seafood include:

  • Niacin
  • Thiamin
  • Riboflavin
  • Zinc
  • Phosphorus
  • Magnesium
  • Iron
  • Copper
  • Potassium
  • Selenium

Seafood Can Improve Your Skin and Vision

Carrots are always the food associated with improved vision. But seafood also has the potential to help people — especially as they age — maintain their eyesight. This is, once again, thanks to the high omega-three fatty acid content in seafood. Omega 3s are beneficial for many aspects of the eye, especially for maintaining the health of the eye’s surface. Many vision problems occur when the eye isn’t appropriately lubricated or the outer layer becomes weak.

What’s more, the leading cause of vision impairment and blindness in aging people is macular degeneration, and studies have found that regular seafood consumption has been linked to a decreased risk of developing macular degeneration and neovascular macular degeneration.

Seafood can also help you achieve that Hollywood glow. The omega-3 and fatty acids found in seafood help moisturize the skin, reduce acne, and protect the skin from harmful UV rays!

Seafood May Lower the Risk of Heart Attack and Stroke

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), heart attacks and strokes are the two most common causes of premature death around the globe. Seafood is considered one of the most heart-healthy foods on the planet, and studies have found that people who eat fish on a regular basis are at a lower risk of heart attack, stroke, and death caused by heart disease.

Researchers believe that fatty fish are even more beneficial for heart health thanks to their high content of Omega 3-fatty acid.

Seafood Can Help Fight Depression

Seafood? To fight depression? The science says “yes!” According to research, the omega-3 fatty acids in seafood can even help ward off depression and significantly boost the effectiveness of antidepressant medications. Separate studies found that people who regularly eat fish are much less likely to feel depressed. So, the next time you’re feeling blue, try some fresh seafood for your next meal.

The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish may also help treat bipolar disorder. But, it’s important to remember that eating seafood is not a cure for depression or bipolar, but it may help increase the effectiveness of treatment.

Seafood is High in Protein

Seafood is high in protein while being low in calories, total fat, and saturated fat — an amazing combination for a healthy diet.

What’s more, seafood is a complete protein source. A three-ounce serving of salmon provides about 30-40% of the average daily recommended amount of protein. Additionally, the protein in seafood is easier to digest due to the fact that seafood has less connective tissue than poultry and red meats.

Salmon protein can be thrown on the grill or stove and placed on top of rice, pasta, or a salad for a nutritious and no-fuss meal.

Seafood Can Decrease Joint Pain and Inflammation

Regular seafood consumption can help manage joint pain and inflammation. Researchers attribute the combination of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood to these benefits.

These anti-inflammatory effects may be particularly beneficial to people who suffer from autoimmune diseases in which chronic pain from inflammation is a common symptom.

Omega 3s have been linked to reduced pain and inflammation in people who suffer from a number of autoimmune disorders, including:

  • Lupus
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Inflammatory bowel disease

Although an omega-3 rich diet has not been shown to slow the progress of autoimmune disorders, it can help reduce the discomfort.

The bottom line is, seafood is a wonderful and delicious source of high-quality protein, heart-healthy Omega 3-fatty acids, and the nutrients and minerals our bodies need to function optimally.

Do you need a little help adding fresh seafood into your diet? Don’t stress about where to get high-quality salmon from when you count on Wild Alaskan Company for seafood delivery — we’ll bring the freshest seafood directly to your front door.