Beyond the tasty flavors and flaky texture, seafood has a range of science-backed health benefits. Today, we’re diving into a few mind-blowing facts (and some common misconceptions) surrounding seafood.
FACT: Fish have “the good fats.”
Not only are fish delicious to eat, but they can actually help prevent heart attacks and strokes. Talk about a superfood! The omega 3-fatty acids in fish are considered unsaturated fats, and they can decrease triglycerides, reduce clot formation, and decrease blood pressure. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish twice a week — salmon, cod, and even sardines are packed to the gills with these good nutrients (pun intended).
Expectant mothers often hear how critical it is to consume enough DHA — an omega-3 fatty acid almost exclusively found in fish — for healthy development of their babies, but pregnant women are not the only ones who benefit from eating fish regularly. Do your heart a favor and add fish to the menu this week!
FICTION: Only eat shellfish in months ending in “R.”
This is not true! However, there are some safety factors at play when it comes to your shellfish source — but that should be the case for seafood you consume in any month! This idea of cold-weather-only shellfish stems from the idea that large algae blooms, which can contain harmful toxins absorbed by some shellfish, are more frequent in the summer months.
Remember that at Alaskan King Crab Co., all of our seafood is harvested by fishermen who have been doing this for decades. You can trust that they know what they’re doing! Plus, all of our seafood is flash-frozen soon after being caught. We’ll only ever provide you with shellfish that are the cream of the crop — never anything less. That said, we strongly encourage you to always ask about the source of your shellfish and skip grocery store seafood!
FACT: Seafood can boost your mood.
… and not just because it tastes delicious! Recent studies support that people who regularly eat fish are up to 20 percent less likely than their peers to have depression. This is thanks to seafood’s anti-inflammatory properties, high levels of DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids, and ability to promote serotonin production and absorption. Although it’s not recommended as a singular solution for mental illnesses, enjoying “nature’s antidepressant” certainly can’t hurt.
FICTION: Eating fish can cause mercury poisoning.
Well, kind of … but not really. Consuming moderate amounts of fish, like the recommended two servings per week, is completely safe. In fact, in those amounts, the cardiovascular benefits far outweigh any potential dangers from mercury. Additionally, keep in mind that most seafood contains selenium, which is essentially an anti-mercury agent.
Swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tilefish — all fish with long lifespans that are considered “predator fish” — have the highest levels of mercury, but that doesn’t mean you need to avoid them altogether. The amount of fish you’d need to consume in order to have issues with mercury toxicity is quite high — think 1-2 servings of fish daily for ten years. (If you’re eating shark two times a day, five days a week, there’s probably a bigger problem at hand!) If it makes you feel better, stick with low-mercury options instead, like salmon, cod, and trout.
The big takeaways?
You can’t believe every old wives’ tale. Eat responsibly sourced seafood about two times per week for maximum health benefits! Luckily, we can help you in that department. Stock up on seafood now!
