What are the Health Benefits of Eating Seafood?

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All types of seafood – including fish, shellfish, mollusks and crustaceans – are packed with protein and low in calories. They are also a rich source of health giving nutrients and beneficial fats. White-fleshed fish in particular, is low in fat and high in lean protein while oily fish is packed with omega-3 fatty acids. Curious about the health and nutritional benefits of seafood? In today’s post, we are giving you 8 reasons to love seafood of all kinds:

Protects from Heart Disease

Seafood is extremely heart-friendly. A Danish study found that women who ate little to no fish each month are 50% more vulnerable to heart disease than those who ate fish at least once a week. Additionally, researchers found that participants who rarely ate fish had a three-fold higher risk of developing chronic diseases. The findings were published in the Journal of the American Heart Association. Seafood is proven to reduce the risk of hypertension and lowers heart-disease risk.

Prevents Mental Degeneration

A groundbreaking study found that eating fish in as little as once per week could boost the brain from memory loss and cognitive disorders. According to researchers, seafood help preserve the gray matter neurons in the brain, which are linked to memory and cognition. Studies also show that the healthy fats in seafood improve brain functions while protecting from inflammation.

As long as seafood is not fried, its brain-boosting benefits are retained. A diet rich in seafood could reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other mental problems linked to cognitive decline.

Improves Skin and Hair

Want to achieve lustrous tresses and youthful skin? You don’t have to invest on pricey skin and hair care products, just eat more seafood! A diet low in beneficial fat can cause lackluster skin and dry, brittle hair that’s prone to breakage. The omega-3 fatty acids in seafood help restore the health of the skin, nails and hair. Beneficial fats could also reduce the risk of skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

May Reduce Depression

Scientists are analyzing the benefits of seafood in terms of addressing severe mental disorders including depression. Studies show that a seafood-rich diet combined with anti-depressants can ease depression much more effectively than taking antidepressants alone. In women, those who took a daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids reduced their risk of postpartum depression.

Improves Brain Development

Most types of seafood contain EFA omega-3, which is linked to better brain development in children. Studies show that a diet rich in EFA omega-3 could reduce the symptoms of ADHD in children. However, consult your pediatrician first before boosting your kids’ seafood consumption to reduce the risk of allergic reactions.

Strengthens the Immune System

The beneficial fats and a long list of nutrients in seafood strengthen the immune system. When the immune system is strong, it is resistant to common infections and inflammatory diseases. Seafood also contains selenium, an antioxidant that promotes immunity. All these nutrients make the body resistant to viral and bacterial infections such as common colds, cough and flu.

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