10 Health Benefits Provided By Seafood

I still remember my first backpacking trip to Japan. I saved on everything – accomodation, transport by walking where ever I could, and I pretty much ate cheap bowls of ramen whenever I could. But there was one thing I could not thrift on, and that was a chance to eat delicious salmon steaks – cooked or sashimi, I just had to indulge. And indeed, seafood is definitely delicious. But did you know seafood is also nutrient-rich, serves as a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and helps to curb common diseases? So as you tuck into another plate of steamed fish over family gatherings, or chope the plate of salmon sashimi on a date, know that the seafood you’re consuming will yield many benefits!

Here are top 10 health benefits of eating seafood.

1. Provides essential nutrients

Seafood is known for being a natural source of vitamins and minerals such as B-complex vitamins, vitamin D and vitamin B. B-complex vitamins (vitamins such as B1, B3, biotin, B12, etc.) perform many different functions, influencing  energy production, metabolism, concentration, and even enhancing beauty! Some types of fish, such as salmon, are rich in vitamin A, which helps protect vision and boost the immune and reproductive system’s capabilities. Another vitamin found in some seafood – often the fatty skin of salmon, tuna and others – is vitamin D, which promotes healthy bone growth, calcium absorption, and boosts immune system efficiency as well as cell growth.

2. Promotes heart health

As a weight loss food, seafood is the best food you can incorporate in your diet.  Seafood is nutritious enough to be low in saturated fats and high in protein. At the same time, its greatest health benefit lies in its abundant source of omega-3 fatty acids. While several studies have been conducted on the benefits of the omega-3 fatty acids, they are most notably known for their benefits in heart health. In fact, they can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular events from occurring, such as arrhythmias, strokes, and heart attacks.

3. Good for your joints

When you reach your late twenties, your joints start to ache in unexplainable ways. One way to ease your aching joints is to eating seafood on a regular basis. Research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids can ease tender joints and reduce morning stiffness in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis. Now you can go for that morning yoga stretch safely without pain!

4. Maintains eyesight

For good eyesight, consume seafood!  A 2014 study published in the Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science Journal suggests that those who consume omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood are less likely to suffer from age-related macular degeneration, a disease that can result in the loss of vision. Fish and shellfish can also boost your night vision. Eating oil-rich fish regularly can help to keep the eyes bright and healthy.

5. Good skin

Instead of lathering skin care products to keep the bounciness and glow in your cheeks, research has suggested that omega-3 fatty acids in seafood can do that for you. The omega-3 fatty acids in seafood protect the skin against UV rays from the sun and there has also been research to prove that omega-3 acid can help to fight acne!

6. Boosts brainpower

Eat seafood to lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. A sufficient intake of DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA( Eicosapentaenoic acid) found in omega-3 fatty acids has been proven to slow down brain degeneration, and promote proper brain growth in infants and children.  Recent research has also  speculated that long-term consumption of omega-3 fatty acids can boost cognitive function in aging women.

7. Fights against depression

Put a smile on your face when days get tough by having some succulent seafood. Recent research has shown that individuals diagnosed with depression tend to have a low supply omega 3 fatty acids. EPA and DHA are found in very high amounts in brain tissue and are believed to play an important role in nerve function and mood regulation. Having more omega-3 fatty acids will help to decrease the risk of depression and to treat depression without over-relying on pills.

8. Pregnancy benefits

For pregnant mummies, know that studies have found  that eating more fish has positive benefits on birth weight because it enhances fetal growth and development. Seafood consumption also aid in reducing preterm delivery and is essential for central nervous system development.

9. Improves immune function

Increased omega-3 consumption can reduce the symptoms of asthma and certain allergies. Selenium is a potent antioxidant found in seafood that is known to strengthen the immune system. For parents, I dare say tuna sushi is one item your children will fight to consume. No more coaxing them to eat just one more piece!

10. Many choices

You can choose from fatty salmon sashimi, to spicy lobsters, to sensual oysters. There is great variety of seafood to choose from, and there so many ways to cook your seafood in order to get rid of the fishy taste that seafood has. Marinate in a yummy home cooked sauce, or fried with some batter, the choice is yours. You can even pack some raw seafood to cook for a get together barbecue.

So indulge in some delicious seafood now!