Find Out What's So Healthy About Seafood by Kathryn Steed

The verdict is in! The Journal of the American Medical Association found that modest consumption of fish reduces risk of coronary death by 36 percent and the rate of death by 17 percent. Researchers found that the health benefits of eating seafood outweigh the potential risks. The American Heart Association recommends eating at least two servings of fish each week for better health.

Most nutritionists and doctors agree that seafood plays a central role in keeping our bodies healthy. Seafood contains the Omega-3 and Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. These essential oils are only produced in limited amounts by the body, making seafood consumption that much more important! It is the Omega-3 fatty acid that steals the show, however. While there are multiple types of Omega-3s, the two most important are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Omega-3s are only beneficial when taken in balance with Omega-6s. Food consumption in the United States trends toward an unhealthy imbalance in favor of the Omega-6. Too much of this fatty acid can activate common diseases, but eating more Omega-3s restores the balance.

Here’s why you should incorporate seafood into your diet:

Heart Healthy

The government has stated that Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids have been shown to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Many studies have confirmed that consuming 2-3 servings of seafood (especially cold water fish like Sardines and Mackerel) can decrease the chances of death from a heart attack by as much as one-third. These "good fats" aid in lowering cholesterol, decreasing blood clotting factors, increasing beneficial relaxation in larger arteries and blood vessels, and decreasing the inflammatory process in blood vessels.

In addition, Omega-3s have been shown to have an effect on the heart’s electrical function, which determines your heart rate. According to the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, eating fish once or twice a week may lower the resting heart rate and slow the time between when the heart is signaled to beat, reducing the risk of sudden cardiac death.

Healthy Mind

Studies have shown that those who consume seafood may be less likely to suffer from bipolar disorder. Omega-3s may also help combat symptoms of depression, especially in patients who don’t respond to typical anti-depressant medication.

Additional Benefits

Consuming seafood also decreases chances of suffering from inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. Studies of patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis have shown that eating a daily portion of 200g of salmon can dramatically reduce symptoms of inflammation, tenderness and swollen joints. People who suffer from psoriasis also showed remarkable improvements in their skin condition after taking as little as 1.8g of fish oil per day.

A proper balance between the fatty acids can also decrease the chances of suffering from Alzheimer's disease, asthma and arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries with age). Studies are currently being done that may suggest that pregnant women should consume plenty of seafood since the Omega-3 fatty acid is critical to fetal development.

As you can see, there are numerous reasons to include seafood in your meals. If you have never been a fan of seafood, experiment with different types of fish and marinades. Chances are you can find some combination that will appeal to you. If you still can’t stomach seafood, talk to you doctor about finding a nutritional supplement to ensure your body is getting these essential nutrients.