National Seafood Month: Eat More Kinds Of Seafood More Often

Eating patterns that consist of multiple foods is important to an overall healthy diet. Seafood should be part of that healthy eating pattern. Seafood includes fish and shellfish. 

Based on the Dietary Guidelines it is recommended that the general population consume about 8 oz. of seafood (two 3 ½ oz. servings) each week. There are a number of health benefits that go along with eating seafood.  Seafood consumption increases ones intake of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which plays an important role in the anti-inflammatory process, reducing cardiovascular issues and has been associated with the reduction of cardiac deaths among those with existing Cardiovascular Disease. Seafood consumption has also been linked to boosting memory and reducing stress hormones- just another great reason to incorporate seafood into your healthy eating pattern! 

Something else to note about seafood is that it is a great source of high quality protein as well as many vitamins and minerals (including selenium and vitamin D).

Keep in mind that when choosing seafood- broiling or baking is a healthier option than deep-frying.

Note: mercury is a toxin that accumulates and for that reason, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that pregnant and lactating women and young children avoid eating certain fish: swordfish, shark, tilefish and king mackerel. The EPA has no health warning to limit seafood consumption for any other population group.

References: 

1. Dietary Guidelines 2015-2020.  Chapter 1: Key Elements of Healthy Eating Patterns.  https://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/guidelines/chapter-1/a-closer-look-inside-healthy-eating-patterns/#callout-seafood Accessed October 5, 2017
2. Fish Friend of Foe? https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/fish/ Accessed October 5, 2017