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	Research over the past few decades has shown that the nutrients and minerals in seafood can make improvements in brain development and reproduction and has highlighted the role for seafood in the functionality of the human body. Hearthealth Doctors have known of strong links between fish and healthy hearts ever since they noticed that fish-eating Inuit populations in the Arctic had low levels of heart disease. One study has suggested that adding one portion of fish a week to your diet can cut your chances of suffering a heart attack by half.
Fish is thought to protect the heart because eating less saturated fat and more Omega-3 can help to lower the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood – two fats that, in excess, increase the risk of heart disease. Omega-3 fats also have natural built-in anti-oxidants, which are thought to stop the thickening and damaging of artery walls. Regularly eating fish oils is also thought to reduce the risk of arrhythmia – irregular electrical activity in the heart which increases the risk of sudden heart attacks. Brainfunctionality The human brain is 10-12% lipids,including the Omega-3 fat DHA. Recent studies suggest that older people can boost their brain power by eating more oily fish, with those who enjoy it regularly are able to remember better and think faster than those who eat none. Other research has also suggested that adding more DHA to the diet of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder can reduce their behavioural problems and improve their reading skills, while there have also been links suggested between DHA and better concentration. Separate studies have suggested that older people who eat fish at least once a week could also have a lower chance of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Joint benefits Including fish as a regular part of a balanced diet has been shown to help the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis – a painful condition that causes joints to swell up, reducing strength and mobility. Studies also show that sufferers feel less stiff and sore in the morning if they keep their fish oil intake topped up. Recent research has also found a link between Omega-3 fats and a slowing down in the wearing of cartilage that leads to osteoarthritis, opening the door for more research into whether eating more fish could help prevent the disease. Iodine, Selenium, Vitamin A, Zinc Fish is high in minerals such as iodine and selenium, which keep the body running smoothly. Iodine is essential for the thyroid gland, which controls growth and metabolism, while selenium is used to make enzymes that protect cell walls from cancer-causing free radicals, and helps prevent DNA damage caused by radiation and some chemicals. Fish is also an excellent source of vitamin A, which is needed for healthy skin and eyes, and vitamin D, which is needed to help the body absorb calcium to strengthen teeth and bones.

Seafood refers to any sea animal or plant that is served as food and eaten by humans. Seafoods include seawater animals, such as fish and shellfish (including molluscs and crustaceans).By extension, in North America although not generally in the United Kingdom, the term seafood is also applied to similar animals from fresh water and all edible aquatic animals are collectively referred to as seafood, however in some countries such as New Zealand they are categorized as “Game”.

Edible seaweeds are also seafood, and are widely eaten around the world, especially in Asia. See the category of sea vegetables.

The harvesting of wild seafood is known as fishing and the cultivation and farming of seafood is known as aquaculture, mariculture, or in the case of fish, fish farming. Seafood is often distinguished from meat, although it is still animal and is excluded in a vegetarian diet. Seafood is an important source of protein in many diets around the world, especially in coastal areas.

Left: Kerang Rebus | Right: Nasi Lemak – Source: Jualiansi.blogspot.com 

Why should we eat fish? Fish is high in protein, vitamins, minerals, and omega 3 fatty acids, and can reduce some problems associated with PMS, memory loss, cardiovascular functions, colon cancer, and stroke. Unless you have a shellfish allergy, shrimp should be eaten.

A well-balanced diet is an essential part of leading a healthy life. In order to have a good diet, one needs to include a lot of variety to ensure you are getting the various nutrients that each food group has to offer. Fish and shellfish are an important part of the equation. Seafood supplements our diets with many nutrients that are not available in other foods.

“Fish are excellent sources of protein, vitamin B, vitamin D, trace minerals, and essential omega 3 fatty acids, which are lacking in most diets. Some fish are richer sources of omega 3 than others, and these are generally also richer in vitamin D. Much like fish, shrimp has a lot of same nutritional value. It’s not one of the highest in omega 3 fats, but it’s not bad. Shrimp are low in calories compared to the amount of protein that you get,” says Dana Reed, a Certified Nutrition Specialist.

“Omega 3’s are healthy fats that are important for optimal immune function. They also help to increase metabolism and are involved in hormone production. Some PMS or menopausal symptoms might benefit from extra omega 3’s. They are also involved with anything that relates to cognitive function, so sometimes depression, memory, concentration, or learning disabilities can be helped. They are very important for cardiovascular health, any condition that involves inflammation like arthritis, and are helpful in controlling blood sugar levels for people with diabetes,” Reed says.

Omega 3 can also be obtained through taking fish oil pills. Eating foods such as tofu and other forms of soybeans, canola oil, walnuts and flaxseed, and their oils are recommended because they contain alpha-linolenic acid, which can change into omega-3 fatty acid in the body, according to the American Heart Association. Conversely, it is recommended that people eat fish to obtain all of the other nutrients that can’t be found in supplements alone.

Aside from Omega 3 fats, the protein in fish is one of the best sources accessible. The Mayo Clinic online states that many red meats or poultry will have protein, but they also have more saturated fats, cholesterol and calories than fish. Fish is able to offer the some amount or more protein and less of the negative attributes of meat and poultry. “Shellfish are generally thought to be high in cholesterol, but shrimp has a compound that is similar in chemical structure to cholesterol called beta-sitosterol. That could be confusing, because it is not cholesterol and can actually have some health benefits,” Reed says.

There are some concerns that should be looked at when eating shrimp or fish. Due to industrial pollution, some are being tainted with mercury. The mercury found in certain fish and shellfish is a low amount and is of no concern to most. However, women that are pregnant, women that are breast-feeding and young children should be careful about what fish they eat and in what amount. The Environmental Protection Agency released this information along with a list of fish to avoid: Tilefish, swordfish, king mackerel and shark carry the highest levels of mercury and should not be consumed by the previously listed people. Shrimp, salmon, pollocks, canned light tuna, shrimp and catfish have lower levels of mercury, and no more than 12 ounces should be eaten in a week. Albacore also contains mercury and should be held to six ounces of consumption in a week.

Although mercury can be a problem for some people, fish and shrimp are excellent food sources. With all of the research being done they are finding more and more proof that we should be eating seafood. Resource: Essortment.com