5 Little-Known Benefits of Eating Seafood

Avoiding Seafood? Here's Why You Shouldn't!

While some of us can eat seafood on any given day, there are some who avoid it as much as possible. Maybe because of the salty smell of the ocean? The effort that’s required to peel off their shells before you can eat them? The mere sight of a fish head or octopus tentacles on a plate?

Whatever the reason might be, here’s what we can tell you: You’re definitely missing out. Plus, we can guarantee that there are places out there that can serve you the best ready-to-eat seafood without the stench — and with an enticing presentation too!

Another reason why you’re missing out is the fact that seafood has a boatload of health benefits! They might not look and feel much; but, trust us, they do wonders for your body. Don’t believe us? We’ve got the facts below:

1. Seafood is healthier for your heart than meat.

The fats in red meat and poultry are considered solid fats, which is why they feel heavier on your stomach. On the other hand, the fats in seafood are actually oils. Oils don’t raise blood lipids and total cholesterol as much as solid fats do. In fact, seafood is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which helps in lowering blood pressure and improving heart rate.

Simply put, seafood is very good for the heart, which is good news for your entire system.

2. Seafood is safe for pregnancy.

Pregnant women have to give up a lot of food and guilty pleasures during pregnancy. But, thankfully, seafood is not one of them. Even better: Seafood actually helps with the growth and development of the fetus, particularly with the brain. 

However, that doesn’t mean that you can eat seafood all day everyday. It’s best to still watch your intake and make sure that your seafood is not high in mercury, which is a big pregnancy no-no.  If in doubt check with a health professional, but don't miss out!

3. Seafood is swimming with lots of vitamins and minerals!

If you’re still not convinced of the health benefits of seafood, we’ll go ahead and list down just some of the vitamins and minerals that it contains:

• Vitamin B3
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin B1
• Iron
• Zinc
• Magnesium
• Selenium

… and we can still go on! Our point: Enrich your body with all this good stuff and don’t skip your seafood, people!

4. Seafood works as skincare!

Seafood as skincare? Sure, it’s not something that you hear everyday. But, it’s true! Because seafood is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and a lot of vitamins, it helps in keeping skin lustrous, supple, soft, and protected from environmental stressors and sun damage. It can also help with keeping skin more hydrated and less oily.

Don’t want premature signs of aging? Eat seafood! Need protection from harmful UV rays? Eat seafood! Want better complexion? Eat seafood! You get the point.

5. Seafood helps fight depression.

Because seafood is actually considered brain food, it helps in keeping the blues away and attracting only the good vibes. New research has found that it can reduce the risks for major depression and other mental health disorders, all thanks to its omega-3 fatty acids.

We can’t stress enough how helpful seafood is to your entire physical, mental, and even emotional system! Now that we’re thinking about it, its sight and smell are actually just a small price to pay in exchange for a good, sound, and long life.

With the promise of the best health and positivity in life, we say yes to all the seafood that we can get our hands on! (in moderation, of course!)