The Benefits of Dieting with Seafood in Spring 2022
Finally! The days are getting longer, and spring has arrived.
It’s the perfect time for a spring clean, decluttering after Thanksgiving and Christmas, and looking forward to the year ahead.
But while we’re at it, why not spring-clean our eating regime too? It’s time to start eating healthier — without sacrificing flavor. Learn how the ocean’s bounty can revolutionize your dieting regime below.
Seafood Health Benefits
Fresh or frozen, seafood is accessible worldwide and a popular dish enjoyed by many.
We love many types of seafood, from delectable shellfish dishes with mussels and clams to juicy shrimp and scallops.
The possibilities are endless.
But what makes seafood even better is its many health benefits.
Seafood is packed full of protein, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3. This all contributes to optimum brain and body function — so if you like hitting the gym, eating seafood can enhance your performance and mood as well as your diet.
Seafood is also abundant with micronutrients like vitamins D and B that support your immune system, reducing the risk of disease.
In fact, a recent study found vitamin D deficiency could be linked to an increased risk of contracting COVID-19.
Due to high volumes of omega-3 fatty acids, another benefit of seafood is maintaining good circulation and a healthy heart. With heart disease as the leading cause of death in America, eating seafood can help prolong your life expectancy.
Seafood can also promote good eyesight and potentially ease joint pain and arthritic inflammation.
Is Seafood Good for Losing Weight?
The health benefits of seafood sound great, but can eating more seafood aid weight loss?
Absolutely.
The good news about fish, shellfish, and crustaceans is that they’re low in calories but high in those healthy fats and lean proteins. Protein-rich foods can keep you feeling full and help regulate blood sugar — meaning you won’t be craving extra calories.
By choosing to eat seafood over high-fat animal products like red meat (pork, beef, lamb), you are cutting down on the number of calories consumed in a single meal. And due to its natural flavor and sodium content, seafood can be steamed and boiled without the need to add excess fat for taste.
As we know, seafood is linked to decreasing inflammation in the body through omega-3. Less inflammation means a lighter bodyweight and increased energy, so you’ll feel more proactive about shedding those pandemic pounds.
Which Seafood Is Best for Weight Loss?
A pescatarian diet now sounds like the way forward, but is some seafood better for dieting than others?
It’s true — some seafood can be mightier than others when it comes to planning your new seafood diet meal plan.
Here, we look at some of the best options.
Top 4 Healthiest Fish to Eat
- Salmon — Rich in calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids, salmon has the advantage of being delicious and nutritious. Studies have shown that this oily fish may be one of the best for regulating insulin and reducing inflammation, contributing to overall weight loss.
- Oysters — These delicacies are incredibly low in calories and are rich in iron and zinc. Zinc can help regulate the hunger hormone leptin and decrease the likelihood of metabolic syndrome.
- Scallops — Unbelievably, these creamy and flavorsome mollusks are 80% protein and low-calorie. They also contain a high level of zinc and are a potential treatment for diabetes.
- Canned Light Tuna — Containing lots of omega-3, vitamin D, and the powerful antioxidant selenium, tuna has been found to reduce abdominal fat. Careful though, as Bluefin and Albacore tuna contain high levels of mercury. Stick to canned chunk light tuna, as it’s harvested from smaller low-in-mercury fishes.
There are a lot of health benefits associated with seafood that make it an excellent dieting choice. However, it’s important to remember that balance is key.
Seafood can’t give you all the nutrients and vitamins your body needs. So make sure that you are eating plenty of vegetables and carbohydrates like rice, pasta or potatoes with your meal.
Looking to start your spring seafood diet? Panapesca supplies premium frozen seafood products to restaurants and consumers. Buy sustainably sourced seafood from us today.