| Eating seafood is part of a healthy diet. Since we | | | | protein, and oilier fish contain substantial quantities |
| are living in a health and weight conscious society | | | | of omega 3s or the "good" fats in a diet plan. Fish |
| find foods that are high in beneficial proteins and | | | | does not contain the "bad" fats, omega 6 fatty |
| low on saturated fats are quite important. The | | | | acids, which are commonly found in red meat.The |
| health benefits of seafood can be the lowering of | | | | high content of poly unsaturated fatty acids in |
| cholesterol, lowering the risk of heart disease, | | | | seafood lowers serum cholesterol levels. Omega 3 |
| lowering the risk of stroke, and building muscle.It is | | | | fatty acids change the critical balance of certain |
| easily apparent to see the effects of a high | | | | blood components called lipoproteins, reducing low |
| seafood diet when visiting a coastal community. In | | | | density lipoproteins and very low density |
| general these people live longer healthier lives. Fish | | | | lipoproteins that deposit cholesterol along the |
| and seafood with higher protein can prevent | | | | artery walls. Fish is low in saturated fat and |
| weight gain naturally, and it is easier to digest. It is | | | | provides the body with essential vitamins and |
| a natural and easily obtainable food source in | | | | minerals, such as, vitamins A, B, and D; zinc, iron, |
| some areas making is a good alternative for red | | | | and selenium.Dietary AdvantagesSeafood can go |
| meat or poultry.Omega 3The essential oil in | | | | a long way toward helping consumers achieve |
| seafood is Omega 3; this can be found in fatty | | | | dietary goals. Most shellfish are low in fat, with a |
| fish like tuna, salmon, and sardines. These have | | | | total composition of less the 5% fat; many |
| high levels of two kinds of Omega 3 fatty acids | | | | varieties have less than 1% fat. Thus, with such a |
| are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and | | | | small amount of total fat, most seafood provides |
| docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It is recommended | | | | only 190 calories for a 3 ounce serving, cooked. |
| by physicians to have at least two portions in a | | | | But for a healthier choice, go for the poached, |
| week. They keep the heart healthy and help to | | | | baked, or grilled fish, rather than fried. Fried fish is |
| prevent future cardiovascular disease and lower | | | | much higher in fat, especially if it is cook in a |
| blood pressure. There is also evidence that fish | | | | batter. This does not mean you can't enjoy the |
| can help prevent and possible alleviate some | | | | occasional fish and chips; it is just healthier not to |
| mood disorders, making it not only heart healthy | | | | counteract the good oils with the bad.Gregg Hall is |
| but brain food too.White fleshed fish, in particular, | | | | an author living in Navarre Florida. |
| is lower in fat than any other source of animal | | | | |