The Power of Seafood
By Ursula Vollmer
Let’s be honest for a moment. The category of seafood (fish, shellfish etc..) does not have a good reputation in the general consensus of delicious foods. From the stereotypical gas station California rolls with the singular piece of crab that has been sitting there for way too long, to the sight of seeing a boring white fish piece of cod make its way to the dinner table, all are enough to make us never want to see fish again. However, in times like Lent when many may choose to give up meat on Fridays or vow to incorporate different types of protein into their diet, it is important to understand why fish is a healthy alternative filled with valuable nutrition. As we head into spring and summer where the weather is nice and the meat heavy stews or roasts fade away from the menus of our homes and restaurants, I urge you to give seafood another chance. There are so many benefits to consuming seafood. The key is to not only make it as delicious as possible but to also recognize the amazing things it can do for our planet, minds and bodies.
Why It’s More Sustainable
According to the Sustainable Fisheries of Washington, compared to other meat products, like pork and beef, which require heavy production and a lot of resources, seafood does not depend heavily on industrial methods or land. As the above graph highlights, farmed and wild fish, though more expensive, tend to also be better for the environment because the fish eat a natural diet and tend to be lower in saturated fat. Likewise, fish also is a more sustainably friendly choice because it is one of the most carbon efficient foods and as a result no marine fish have gone extinct. As the method of production is not as intense as the method of other meat products, choosing to invest in good quality fish truly has positive benefits for our world as a whole.
The Effects of Seafood On Our Bodies
While choosing to consume seafood is doing wonders for the planet, it is likewise also helping to fuel our bodies and brains. According to the Washington State Department of Health fish is…
Low in fat
High quality protein
Filled with omega 3 fatty acids and vitamins (such as vitamin D and vitamin B)
Cure the risk of heart failure and high blood pressure
Help with brain development and vision in babies
May help with preventing arthritis
All of these amazing components of fish, whether it be in salmon, trout or sardines, provide you with tons of energy and nutrients to nourish the inside and outside of your body.
Likewise, shellfish, which includes shrimp, clams, mussels, lobster and more, also provide our bodies with the key components necessary for a balanced diet. According to Nourish by WEBMD Shellfish is…
Low in fat
Another form of lean protein
High in various vitamins and minerals with antioxidant properties important for body functions
Examples include: B12, copper, potassium, zinc and more!
Omega 3 fatty acids
Mussels, crab, squid and oysters all have a ton!
As displayed in the information above, it is clear why doctors recommend eating two servings of the delicious fatty fish such as salmon or sardines and incorporating as much shellfish as you want when so desired. Now, the fun part comes. With all the information given, the creative and exciting side to learning about food is getting to cook it. Enjoy some of these delicious ways to change seafood from the scary and sometimes unappetizing food you may think of to the food that is both nourishing, beautiful and delicious for Mother Nature and that amazing body of yours!
8 Nourishing and Healthyish Seafood Recipes To Try Next
