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November 12,2021

Americans may be missing out on robust health benefits of fish

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National organizations, like the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and international organizations, like the World Health Organization (WHO), have been sounding the alarm that Americans need to eat more seafood. Not eating enough seafood results in 84,000 preventable deaths in the U.S. per year, according to a 2009 study. (In contrast, only 58,000 preventable deaths are caused by low intake of vegetables and fruit.) A more recent study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) and the University of Washington found that adults who eat high levels of seafood live more than two years longer than their peers.

Fish and shellfish are a valuable source of many essential nutrients, from heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein to vitamin D, selenium, and B vitamins. Swallowing omega-3 supplements doesn’t have as many benefits as eating fish twice a week. Research suggests that the combination of minerals, vitamins, and fats in seafood increases its many health benefits.

Why Don’t Americans Eat Enough Fish?

If eating seafood has so many benefits, why don’t most Americans eat two servings a week? This answer varies for every person, but there are three main reasons that people in the U.S. don’t eat enough seafood.

#1. Safety Concerns

Many people know that fish can be high in mercury, a dangerous neurotoxin that can harm your nervous system and brain function. Concern about mercury levels in fish deters many people who strive to eat “clean.” Numerous studies have shown that the benefits of eating fish outweigh the risk of consuming trace amounts of mercury. Pregnant women and children should avoid fish that tend to have high mercury levels, like Grouper, King Mackerel, Swordfish, and Ahi Tuna.

Check out NRDC’s Seafood Mercury Chart to find a long list of seafood with low mercury levels. (Their index is based on data from the USDA’s tests on seafood mercury levels and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s guidelines on safe mercury levels for pregnant women and children.)

#2. Sustainability Concerns

Concern about ethical fishing practices is growing around the world. A recent Netflix documentary has drawn more attention to the issue. You don’t have to give up eating seafood to protect our oceans. There are hundreds of delicious, sustainable species in U.S. waters. One of the reasons that some fish populations are growing dangerously small is that when Americans eat seafood, we only eat a small variety: shrimp, salmon, canned tuna, tilapia, and Pollock. Eating a wider variety of seafood is one way that you can prevent overfishing. Another way is by learning more about sustainable fishing practices. Seafood Watch’s website is a great resource. Be sure to check out their list of Sustainable Seafood to find tasty, environmentally responsible seafood options to try out!

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Important Vitamins in Seafood

Seafood plays a large role in the diets of the top 10 healthiest countries. It’s not a coincidence that countries—like Japan, Italy, and Australia—who eat lots of fish and shellfish have longer lifespans and fewer health risks. Seafood is full of nutrients essential that are for good health. It is also low in calories
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Not a fan of that fishy taste? Your stomach might turn thinking about your mom’s unappetizing tuna casserole or a fishy salmon burger. Many people shy away from eating seafood because its distinctive flavor and texture turn them off. You can learn to love it!

Fish is an important part of a healthy diet. That’s why the American Heart Association recommends eating at least two servings of fish per week. Numerous scientific studies suggest that eating fish regularly can reduce your risk of developing heart disease, which has been the leading cause of death in America. Eating fish twice a week can also reduce your risk of mental decline as you age and much more. These are just a few of the reasons why it’s wise to learn to love seafood.

5 Tips to Cooking Seafood at Home

We often think of seafood as a luxury, but there is no better option on a busy night than a seafood dinner. Fish and shellfish cook faster than most meat and require minimal prep time. If you want a healthy meal that’s quick ‘n easy to make, seafood’s a perfect choice.

What stops many home chefs from making seafood is that they don’t know how to prepare it. If that’s you, you can learn everything you need to know here! Follow these five top tips to master the art of cooking seafood. You will wow your family the next time you make fish tacos or shrimp scampi!

Make Healthier Fish Sticks

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Yes, You Can Cook Seafood on the Grill!

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