We are a creative and sustainable restaurant that takes a holistic view of seafood. The taste is important, but we don’t limit ourselves to the flavour. Our restaurant and our online market are part of a bigger context. You already know that we are concerned about the health and safety of our oceans if you are familiar with Crave Fishbar. We are deeply worried about our team’s and our community’s health, as well as the sustainability and quality of our products.
You have probably heard that seafood is healthy. In fact, including fish and other shellfish in a healthy diet is the best thing you can do to improve your health.
We’ve partnered with the Seafood Nutrition Partnership to spread the word about the health benefits of seafood. The nonprofit is on a mission to help Americans live healthier lives through seafood. Since 2006, Chef Todd has served as a chef ambassador of SNP. We have worked together to develop recipes, cooking demonstrations, and events that promote seafood nutrition within our community.
Jessica Miller, a registered dietitian at SNP, was our guest to discuss the benefits of seafood for your overall health.
Chef Todd Mitgang presents a cooking demo with the Seafood Nutrition Partnership in Crave Fishbar Midtown.
Seafood is it healthy?
Seafood is rich in nutrients that are essential for your overall health. Even though the extra oysters or shellfish tower at #Oystergram happy hour may seem like a treat, they are good for you.
Take a look at why fish and shellfish are so healthy.
Jessica says that the anti-inflammatory properties of seafood are its most significant benefit. You may not see them, but they have a profound impact on your overall health. “The vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fatty acids all work together as one of the best foods to reduce swelling, which impacts everything from headaches and heart disease to radiant skin and better sleep.
Seafood Nutrients
Calories & Protein
Seafood has a low-calorie count and is high in protein. The importance of protein in overall health cannot be overstated. It increases our metabolism, maintains energy, improves immunity, and strengthens muscles and bones. All the amino acids that are essential for good health can be found in fish and shellfish, making them a complete source of protein.
Icelandic cod and yellowfin tuna are both low-calorie and high-protein choices, but any seafood is good.
Vitamins and Minerals
A range of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients are also present in seafood. Minerals and vitamins are essential for good health. Salmon and other oily fish are excellent sources of vitamin A. Vitamin A benefits the immune system as well as respiratory systems, tissues, skin and tissue. Fish and shellfish are rich in B vitamins, including B2, B6, and B12, which support blood and muscle health and the immune system.
Seafood also contains vitamin D naturally, something that most organic foods don’t. Jessica says, “There are only a few foods with vitamin D. Mushrooms, if grown under certain UV lights, and seafood.” You can only get vitamin D from a sun-baked supplement or seafood.
The calcium content of shellfish and fish is also high.
- Iron is essential for the health and production of red blood cells.
- Zinc: helps to make proteins and fights viruses and bacteria.
- Phosphorus is necessary for the formation and maintenance of teeth and bones, as well as maintaining the health of the cells.
- Magnesium regulates muscle function and nerve function. It also helps to make DNA, protein and bone.
Minerals regulate hormones and keep the heart, brain, lungs and body working properly.
Fat and cholesterol
Consuming fats is important for maintaining a healthy diet. However, there are both good and bad fats.
The good fats that your body requires to remain healthy are found in high concentrations in seafood. It is an excellent reason to include seafood as part of your diet. Jessica says that among the many benefits of seafood, “the omega-3 component really stands out.”
DHA (docosahexaenoic) and EPA are the two essential omega-3 fatty acids. Our bodies do not produce DHA and EPA, so the best method to increase omega-3 fatty acids in the body is a diet that includes seafood.
Omega-3s have a powerful effect. Omega-3s have a positive impact on the mind and body in many different ways. From supporting your immune system to helping you live longer and healthier lives, they positively affect your health and well-being. EPA and DHA work together to reduce inflammation and the risk of chronic diseases and heart conditions. Omega-3s are beneficial in so many different ways that we have listed them all below.
Health Benefits of Eating Seafood
Seafood is good for your physical and mental health. Fish and shellfish, which are high in omega-3s and other nutrients, support our immune system and major organs.
Seafood Benefits for the Brain
Eating seafood improves brain function, no matter your age. Omega-3 fatty acids in seafood are critical to brain development and health at any age.
Omega-3s in seafood can improve reading and writing skills and raise children’s IQS. Studies show that women who eat seafood regularly while pregnant have children with better brain function and intelligence.
Omega-3s can help older adults maintain their brain function. Enough omega-3s help the brain to maintain a healthy size and function. A lack of DHA is associated with a smaller brain, which can be a sign of rapid ageing.
Research shows that eating seafood is good for our mental health. Regular seafood eaters are 20% less likely than others to experience depression. The American Psychiatric Association recommends fish fats to treat depression. A seafood-rich diet has also been shown to improve the effectiveness of antidepressants and other mental health medications.
Seafood Benefits for the Heart
Eating seafood regularly is the best thing you can do to protect your heart. This is especially true when replacing unhealthy foods with seafood. Fish and shellfish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help to improve heart health. They lower blood pressure, heart rate and blood vessel function.
The American Heart Association states that eating seafood every week reduces the risk of heart failure, coronary disease, stroke and sudden death. This also helps maintain healthy blood pressure and reduces inflammation.
Serve fish and shellfish with other heart-healthy foods such as peas and beans, lentils and whole grains. Also, serve fruits and vegetables and nuts, like almonds and walnuts.
Seafood Benefits to Skin
Seafood helps to keep skin hydrated and young. Omega-3s, especially EPA, can help improve hydration and increase oil production. Amino acids in seafood maintain collagen levels, which is a key factor for healthy, youthful skin.
B2 is found in seafood and is essential for healthy skin. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight free radicals, toxins, and other substances that can damage the skin or accelerate signs of ageing.
Seafood Benefits for Eyesight
Omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood are also beneficial to our vision. According to the National Institute of Health, DHA, EPA, and two-star fatty acids are essential for our retinal health. DHA helps retinal development and reduces macular degeneration due to age. EPA reduces inflammation, which is good for eye health.
Omega-3s are also important for maintaining a healthy and lubricated eye surface. Vision problems are more likely to occur when the eye surface has been damaged or not properly lubricated.
Immune System Benefits
A balanced diet and good nutrition are the basis of a long, healthy life. Fish and shellfish are rich in nutrients that can help fight chronic diseases. They may also aid the body to defend itself from viruses.
Seafood is a great source of vitamins, minerals and omega-3s. It also contains a complete protein.
Protéine supports the body in healing and recovering from illness.
Vitamins B, A, and D regulate the immune system together by reducing inflammation and promoting the development of red and white blood cells. They also keep the immune system working properly.
Magnesium controls immune cell development.
Potassium helps signal calcium in immune cells.
Zinc is essential for a healthy immune system and can also aid in healing wounds.
SNP reports higher omega-3 fatty acids, and fish intakes were associated with lower mortality. Over time, eating enough seafood can improve your health and prolong its life!
How often should you eat seafood?
The Seafood Nutrition Partnership suggests two portions of seafood per week. Jessica explains, “That’s eight to twelve ounces per week.” By eating seafood twice a week, you can ensure that your body is getting the maximum nutritional value from fish and shellfish.
How to Get the Most from Seafood Nutrition
For maximum health benefits from seafood, you should include it in a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats like olive oil and nuts. It is also important to limit sugar, refined grains, saturated fats and fast food.
Healthy lifestyles must include a healthy diet. Exercise, sleep, hydration and stress management are all essential for optimum health.
Where Can I buy quality seafood?
We understand that finding high-quality, sustainable seafood can be challenging. Our online retail seafood market, Crave Fishbar Market, was launched to provide our community with healthy seafood for cooking at home when dining out isn’t an option.
We have partnered with the Monterey Bay Aquarium to help you shop confidently. We also work with local and international fishing communities to find the best sustainable seafood. You can order with confidence from our market because you know that you are getting products of the highest quality, which is fresh, healthy, and restaurant-quality.
We especially thank Jessica Miller and our partners from the Seafood Nutrition Partnership, who shared their expertise about the health benefits of fish.
