Sea Food is a nutrient rich food which has its own health benefits and risks of sea food are also there for few people. However it is a good source of protein, vitamin, minerals and it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and in the reduction of common diseases. The long-chain omega-3s found in seafood benefit everyone’s health. Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These are plentiful in fish and shellfish.
What is Omega-3?
The unique type of fat found in seafood, the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. Omega-3 fatty acids are needed for optimal function of the human body. The three main types are ALA (Alpha-linolenic acid), EPA (Docosahexaenoic acid ) and DHA (Eicosapentaenoic acid). ALA is mainly found in plants, while DHA and EPA are mainly found in animal foods and algae.
Benefits of Sea Food
Provides essential nutrients
Seafood is known for being a natural source of vitamins and minerals. Vitamins such as B complex, D, A and B. It also Influences in energy production, metabolism, concentration, and skin beauty. Some types of fish such as salmon are rich in vitamin. It helps protect vision, boost the immune and reproductive system’s capabilities. Another vitamin found in some seafood is from the fatty skin of salmon and tuna. Sea foods are high in vitamin D which promotes healthy bone growth calcium absorption and boosts immune system efficiency as well as cell growth.
Heart health
- Also lowers chance of dying from coronary heart disease and sudden cardiac death.
- Improves electrical properties of the heart, including more stable rhythms, lowers heart rate and better heart rate.
- likewise reduses the chances of a first heart attack and other nonfatal cardiac events.
- Improves blood lipid patterns with lower blood fats and higher HDL or “good” cholesterol levels; however, seafood omega-3s have little effect on LDL or “bad” cholesterol.
- Reduces inflammations, underlying contributor to heart disease and other disorders.
- Healthier blood vessel functions and blood flow.
Brain function
- Furthermore it sharpens brain function including neurotransmission communication between brain cells.
- Protection of neurons from injury and disease, rapid responses to hormones and regulatory substances, improved brain cell repair and regeneration.
- Healthy cognition and memory, especially in aging; seafood omega-3s can lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, other dementias and possibly Parkinson’s disease.
- Also influences in proper brain growth and development in fetal and infant life.
Mental health
- Reduces risk and severity of several mental disorders including depression, bipolar disorder and mood disorders such as anxiety, hostility and aggression.
Visual function
- Long-chain omega-3s are vital for healthy visual and retinal functions; they may lower the chance of developing age-related macular degeneration and possibly cataract, dry eye, glaucoma and other visual disorders.
Immune function
- Sea food omega-3s promotes immune system maturation in infants and may lower the chance of childhood allergies. Increased omega-3 consumption may ease the symptoms of inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, certain allergies and digestive disorders.
- High levels of long-chain omega-3s have been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, without the adverse side effects of some anti-inflammatory drugs.
Clinical conditions
- Long-chain omega-3s may reduce the chance of type 2 diabetes. It may be helpful in post-surgery and trauma, inflammatory bowel and Crohn’s disease, possibly some forms of cancer and most recently bone health.
Risks of Sea Food
- Fish and shellfish can come from the wild and from fish farms. Most seafood contains detectable levels of contaminants, i.e. methyl mercury, a heavy metal readily absorbed and potentially toxic. It can affect the developing nervous system, pregnant and nursing mothers exposed to large amounts of mercury could jeopardize the brain development of the fetus and infant.
- Shellfish allergies are irreversible, allergic reactions to shellfish often start within minutes of eating e.g. Some include itching, wheezing, dizziness and swelling of the lips or mouth. allergic reactions to shellfish can be life-threatening.
- Farmed salmon may contain high levels of pesticides and other toxins.
- A careful selection of fish will help in avoiding the health risks.