A lot of people get their main source of food from the ocean. Seafood is an essential part of a person’s diet as it is easily digested and has good quality protein, which provides a mixture of important amino acids that the body cannot make by itself.
Seafood gives more protein compare to sheep, poultry or cattle. Also, seafood such as fish has various vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A and Vitamin D, magnesium, selenium, phosphorus. Studies reveal that seafood is abundant with omega 3 fatty acids, which has health benefits like enhance brain progress and protection against stroke and heart disease in infants.
However, though sea food offers great benefits to us, it is also worthwhile to know if it imposes risks on our health. With this, before heading to the market or stock your fridge with different kinds of seafood, here are the pros and cons that you need to know:
For fish:
The Pros– Majority of fish like cod, tuna, or salmon, are ideal source of B Vitamins, potassium, protein, selenium, magnesium and others. Fish is an excellent source of protein, which is also low in fat. Anchovies, whitefish and salmon have the highest quality of Omega 3, which is ideal brain, joints, and cardiovascular health.
The Cons: According to a study, over 2% of Americans have allergy to shellfish and fish, with halibut, tuna and salmon being the culprit to cause a reaction. Some of the reactions are severe or lethal. Keep in mind that the bigger the fish, the bigger possibility that it is contaminated with mercury and some other toxins like polychlorinated biphenyls. Some that should be avoided are blue fin tuna, king mackerel, swordfish, marlin and tilefish.
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) suggests that young children and ladies of childbearing years should avoid bigger fish like king mackerel, swordfish, marlin and tilefish. Apart from that, the FDA also said that everyone can safely consume 12oz. each week of cooked small fish like canned fish or shellfish.
For crawfish, lobster, and crab:
The Pros: These crustaceans have high content of mineral and Omega-3, and are also low in calorie.
The Cons: They have high contents of salt. For example, a crab leg contains over 1000mg of salt. Also, undercooked crustaceans can contain numerous parasites like tapeworms.
For roe:
The Pro: Roe is an excellent source of nutrients and protein.
The Con: Some kinds of roe, like caviar, have high contents of sodium and cholesterol. Also, there is a big chance that they have parasites.
For mollusks:
The Pros: Domestic mollusks such as clams, conch, shrimp, scallops, snails and oysters have minerals, protein, and B vitamins. They are also versatile seafood as they can be cooked in many different ways.
The Cons: Imported scallops and shrimps may contain unnecessary additives and can have parasites, if not cooked well.
The internet is a wide source of information to know more about seafood, its benefits and safety. Hence, it is worth it to improve your knowledge on them before enjoying them on your lunch or dinner.