IMPORTANCE OF SEA FOOD

"You may be familiar with king crab, king salmon, or king oysters, but is there one sea creature that’s really king when it comes to nutritional value? According to Dietary Guidelines, eating one type of seafood over another isn’t the ultimate goal. Rather, it’s the variety and regularity of eating seafood that provide you with nutrition fit for kings. Some seafood is high in those ever-so-precious omega-3s, while others are low in mercury. And of course, the amounts of other essential nutrients found in seafood will depend on the source."

Here are some of the reasons why it’s wonderful for your diet.

1. Seafood is a great source of protein.

We need protein-packed foods in our diet to help build and repair muscle. These foods tend to be nutrient-dense—meaning they provide a lot of nutrients in fewer calories, which is always a plus. Foods like seafood that have a lot of protein tend to also have other essential nutrients—like zinc, B vitamins, selenium, choline, phosphorus, copper, vitamin D, and vitamin E (which vary in amounts depending on the source).

2. Seafood consumption is associated with reduced risk of obesity.

Seafood tends to be a lean source of protein, so it’s nutritionally dense and low in fat (depending on the preparation method). Protein is also satiating, leaving you feeling fuller for longer, which helps you maintain a healthy body weight. But the preparation matters. In order to maximize the health benefits, choose wisely and get creative, focusing on something delicious but also low in fat and calories. Pass on heavily breaded fish fries and instead opt for grilled, roasted, broiled, baked or stir-fried seafood. Experiment with spices, herbs, and citrus that add little or no calories but a lot of flavor to complement seafood’s natural taste.

3. Seafood isn’t only for the wealthy.

Eating seafood doesn’t have to be fancy and expensive. It can be consumed even by those on a budget. If you’re money conscious, consider canned sources of seafood or buying it in bulk at a wholesale retailer.