Raising Awareness Of The Benefits Of Fish And Seafood

Main Category: Nutrition / Diet
Article Date: 17 Sep 2008 - 0:00 PDT

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Seafood fortnight is celebrated in September to raise awareness of the fantastic benefits of fish and seafood. Low in fat and a good source of protein, vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids, we should all be aiming to incorporate fish into our weekly diet.

Oily fish is great for keeping your heart and arteries healthy, the omega-3 fatty acid in this fish can decrease the risk of blood clots, lower blood cholesterol, reduce the risk of arrhythmias and slightly lower blood pressure.

Try to eat fish twice a week with at least one portion being oily fish, two if you can.

Here are some ideas:

- remember eating fish is a healthy option but don't spoil it with unhealthy cooking methods, bake, grill or poach fish for healthy heart options of cooking

- use slices of lemon and fresh herbs that compliment fish, such as rosemary or thyme, wrap in a foil parcel and pop it in the oven

- throw some prawns into a pan, add some garlic drizzle with a little rapeseed oil, serve with crusty whole meal bread and a green leafy salad for a health lunch option

- canned fish is so convenient - try out sardines on toast or traditional salmon and cucumber sandwiches

People with raised cholesterol levels can still eat seafood as long as it is not in batter or doused with butter. A healthy balanced diet, low in saturated fat is the important thing in managing cholesterol levels, so find space for those fishy meals and be friendly to your heart.

Heart Research UK