Saturday, September 27, 2008

Fresh Seafood Is A Great Way To Get Healthy

By Shannon Linnen

It has been known for many years that eating fresh seafood provides health benefits. However, no one has been sure of the exact reasons for this effect. Yes, fish and other seafood is high in protein and low in fat, but these basic properties do not explain all the benefits enjoyed by people whose diet is high in these foods.

There is some research that has been conducted recently that shows how wild caught fish may very well be the better choice than farm raised items. This is due in part to raised Mercury levels in fish that have been farm raised. It is really still too early to tell what the long term impact on an individuals health this will have, if any.

The good thing about wild caught fish is that they have been literally untouched by mankind. Crops and meat sources that are farmed have been manipulated by scientists in order to increase yields, lower growth time frames and make items easier to ship. Wild caught fish are not subject to these kinds of manipulation.

Following the introduction of new technologies, however, and the discovery of omega-3 fatty acids and their key role to various aspects of human health, the benefits of enjoying a diet rich in, for instance, lobster meat or other kinds of fresh seafood suddenly became far more visible and clear.

The almost magical activity by the omega-3s starts as early as on fetal stage of human development. Docosahexaenoic acid, commonly found in fish, crab and lobster meat, is an essential component for building brain and nerve fetal tissue as well as the retina. Consequently, research suggests that higher consumption of fresh seafood low in mercury by a pregnant woman is beneficial for infant cognition.

Studies indicate very positive health advantages from ingesting omega-3, including the reduction of asthma development and other respiratory ailments such as airway inflammation in young children. Good sources of omega-3 can be found in live lobster and king crab, which can be enjoyed and ingested into adulthood.

Eating fresh seafood was shown to lower the rates of depression in post-partum women as well as lower their risk of breast cancer. Consuming Omega 3s also protected against a number of heart diseases, prevented strokes, and improved eye and neurological functioning. Lastly, they were shown to stop mental deterioration in later years, therefore saving the contented fresh seafood afficionados manifold the expenses of their hobby.

Furthermore, fish contains more than just one advisable substance. Vitamin D they are also rich in offers potent anti-cancer and bone-building properties, while Astaxanthin, a powerful anti-oxidant found in salmon and giving it the characteristic orange color, confers a host of documented health advantages.

To conclude, eating natural ingredients found in most food items is nearly the same as the practices of most modern medical trends and the thought that it is much easier to prevent a disease than it is to cure it. Basically - eat right and stay healthy.

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