Seafood is crucial for health. Based on research from Harvard, consuming 8 ounces of seafood weekly decreases the likelihood of dying from heart disease by 36%. Heart disease ranks as the primary cause of death among women globally. Globally, heart disease and stroke account for 30% of all deaths, with 800,000 deaths annually in the United States alone.
Seafood, rich in nutrients like vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids, is underconsumed in the United States, despite its health benefits. Only 20% of Americans eat seafood twice a week, as advised by the USDA. During pregnancy, consuming 8 to 12 ounces of seafood weekly can enhance a baby's IQ, cognitive development, and eye health. Older adults who regularly eat fish live approximately 2.2 years longer on average.
Accessing nutrient-rich foods that promote good health and help mitigate chronic disease is a challenge for families in need. Seafood, a high-quality protein packed with essential vitamins and minerals, plays a crucial role. SeaShare aims to support food banks and feeding centers by providing them with nutritious seafood options.
How do the vitamins and minerals in seafood benefit your body?
Seafood provides essential nutrients that are crucial for bodily functions. These include vitamins A, B, and D, along with omega-3 fatty acids. Vitamin A supports vision health and immune system function. B-complex vitamins aid in energy production, metabolism, and focus. Seafood stands out as one of the few natural sources of vitamin D, which promotes strong bones, aids in calcium absorption, enhances immune system efficiency, and supports cell growth.
Omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood offer a wealth of health advantages.
Supports healthy brain function and aids in the vision and nerve development of infants during pregnancy. May lower the risk of depression, ADHD, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia. Could decrease the likelihood of developing diabetes and the metabolic syndrome that precedes it. Evidence indicates that increased intake of omega-3s or fatty fish may positively affect glucose and insulin metabolism. These fatty acids also mitigate inflammatory processes associated with diabetes and may prevent inflammation, thus reducing the risk of arthritis.
Eating seafood is linked to improved cognitive function. Regular fish consumption has been associated with a 14% larger hippocampus, the key area of the brain responsible for memory and learning.
During pregnancy, the demand for essential nutrients increases to support the baby's health. Fish is a rich source of several crucial nutrients, including selenium, iodine, and DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid primarily found in seafood. These nutrients, along with other long-chain poly fatty acids, play a vital role in the baby's organs, the brain, and the eyes.
Consuming foods high in DHA is crucial during the last trimester of pregnancy and for the baby's first two years, as the brain is developing rapidly. While the pace of brain and eye growth slows after this period, the need for DHA persists in childhood.