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The information on this page is for everyone, but it is especially focused on health issues that occur more frequently in elderly people. Regular seafood consumption may help reduce the severity of some chronic diseases such as diabetes, eye disease, and certain cancers. The omega-3s in seafood may also help to reduce the risk or severity of mental problems such as depression and Alzheimer’s disease. Although the evidence for the protective effect of omega-3s is not as strong for these health issues as it is for the prevention of heart disease, regular seafood consumption is likely to play a positive role in long term health.
Health Benefits: Fish and shellfish are an important part of a healthy diet because they contain high-quality protein and other essential nutrients, are low in saturated fat, and contain omega-3 fatty acids. A well-balanced diet that includes a variety of fish and shellfish can contribute to overall health, and may reduce the risk or severity of some chronic diseases that occur more frequently in elderly individuals.
Current Dietary Recommendations - Health and wellness organizations currently suggest that you eat seafood regularly to obtain omega-3 fatty acids as part of an overall healthy diet. Here are current recommendations from two widely recognized sources.
The Amercian Heart Association’s 2006 Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations say:
“Eat fish at least twice a week. Recent research shows that eating oily fish containing omega-3 fatty acids (for example, salmon, trout, and herring) may help lower your risk of death from coronary artery disease.” Learn more at www.americanheart.org
In Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005 discussion related to fat in the diet states: “Evidence suggests that consuming approximately two servings of fish per week (approximately 8 ounces total) may reduce the risk of mortality from coronary heart disease and that consuming EPA and DHA may reduce the risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease in people who have already experienced a cardiac event.”
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the following links to see recent news articles and scientific studies related to seafood consumption and chronic diseases. Click here to return to the main page.
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