Seafood is a type of edibles that comes from aquatic animals, particularly fish and shellfish. This includes finfish and molluscs such as clams, mussels, oysters, octopus, squid and crustaceans like shrimp, lobster, crab and crayfish.
This food group is known for its high nutritional value as well as its delicious flavour. It’s an important part of many cultures around the world due to its versatility in cooking styles and availability near coastal areas. It helps to try cooked seafood Brisbane as they are packed with nutrients and freshness.
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12 Advantages of Seafood Over Meat
1. Lower Fat and Higher Protein Content
Seafood is an excellent source of lean protein, with significantly lower fat content than meat. A diet rich in seafood can help reduce the risk of obesity, high cholesterol, and heart disease. It’s also packed with essential vitamins and minerals and is an important part of a balanced diet.
2. More Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly
Wild-caught seafood is a much more sustainable option than farm-raised fish, which can have negative environmental impacts. Fishing for wild seafood does not use chemicals or antibiotics, so it’s both healthier for the environment and for consumers.
3. More Omega-3s
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for good health and are found in abundance in seafood. These healthy fats can lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and protect against heart disease. On average, a 3-ounce serving of seafood contains more omega-3s than the same portion of beef or pork.
4. Contains Essential Vitamins and Minerals
Seafood is also a great source of essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, vitamin D, and selenium. These nutrients are vital for good health and can help protect against certain illnesses like anemia and osteoporosis.
5. Lower Risk of Foodborne Illness
Seafood is generally less prone to contamination and foodborne illness than other types of meat, as most seafood is cooked thoroughly upon consumption. This reduces the risk of contracting a foodborne illness from undercooked or contaminated fish.
6. Easier on Digestion
The proteins found in seafood are easier to digest than those found in red meats, making it a great option for people with digestive issues.
7. Can Help You Lose Weight
Seafood is naturally low in calories and high in protein, which can help stimulate weight loss and maintain healthy body composition. Eating seafood regularly can also reduce hunger hormones like ghrelin, keeping you feeling fuller for longer periods of time.
8. Contains Essential Nutrients for Brain Health
Seafood is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for healthy brain and nerve development. Omega-3s can also improve cognition and reduce the risk of various neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
9. Increase Levels of “Good” HDL Cholesterol
Eating seafood can have a positive effect on cholesterol levels and help reduce the risk of heart disease. Seafood contains unsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial for the body and can increase levels of “good” HDL cholesterol while decreasing “bad” LDL cholesterol levels. This is important because LDL cholesterol can build up in your arteries and lead to heart disease.
10. May Reduce the Risk of Certain Cancers
Eating seafood regularly has been linked to a lower risk of certain types of cancer, such as colorectal and prostate cancer. This is likely due to the anti-inflammatory benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in abundance in some types of seafood.
11. May Improve Vision
Omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood can help protect the eyes from age-related vision problems, such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Seafood can also improve night vision and reduce inflammation in the eyes, helping to keep them healthy.
12. Versatile and Delicious
Finally, seafood is incredibly versatile and can be cooked in a variety of ways. From fish tacos to shrimp stir-fry, there are countless delicious recipes that make eating seafood a healthy and enjoyable experience.
What is the best way to preserve the nutrients in seafood?
The best way to preserve the nutrients in seafood is to cook it as quickly and at as low a temperature as possible. This method, known as “quick cooking,” helps retain the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients in seafood by minimising exposure time with heat and water.
Quick cooking can take several forms including poaching, steaming, microwaving and sautéing. It is important to use the minimum amount of cooking liquid that is necessary for each preparation, as this helps retain more nutrients.
Additionally, depending on the seafood you are preparing, it may be beneficial to leave some parts uncooked such as some types of shellfish or fish eggs. Finally, when serving leftover cooked seafood, it is important to reheat it quickly and only once. Reheating will help maintain the nutrients that have not been lost during the initial cooking process.
Seafood truly is one of the healthiest foods you can eat. Rich in essential nutrients and low in calories, it’s the perfect food for anyone looking to improve their health and well-being. So don’t be afraid to add more KOI Seafoods products to your repertoire – your body will thank you for it!
