And, yes some seafood is said to contain mercury, PCB (Polychlorinated Biphenyls) and dioxin contaminates...and the media has made us concerned with fish based diets. However, the American Heart Association states that the benefits of eating fish outweigh the risks of toxins. So, becoming a pescatarian may help you achieve a variety of health promoting goals.
Well here are just a few of the reasons you may want to start this new way of eating:
- You'll avoid saturated fats
- You'll reduce your cholesterol levels
- Your intake of essential Vitamins and Minerals will increase
- And, you'll get to enjoy a versatile source of LEAN Protein
By now, we all know red meats and most poultry contain saturated fats. And these fats are usually solid at room temperature, contribute to an accumulation of fat in our arteries - causing the development of fatty plaques on the arterial walls......and this usually leads to Heat Disease & Stroke.
This alone is a good reason to avoid meat for the sake of cardiac health......don't you want to live a long healthy life?
When you start to eat pescatarian style, you will allow your body to retain nutrients, flavors and textures of seafood in your diet while cutting down the health risks caused by eating land animal fats.
We all know certain types of fish are high in Omega 3's (Salmon, Tuna, Mackerel and Herring) this is a form of fat that lowers triglycerides. Now triglycerides are a form of cholesterol produced by our bodies and found in high-fat foods. Our liver synthesizes triglycerides as a source of energy. When it is produced or eaten in excess they circulate in our bloodstream and are then deposited as FAT...mostly around the abdominal organs.
There have been clinical studies the show omega 3 fats in fish oil substantially reduce triglyceride levels, which lower our risk of heart disease, stroke and metabolic disorders....the fatty acid in omega 3 may also lower blood pressure and improve the brain & nerve function...therefore enhancing short term memory.
If you were not aware, fish also contains B complex vitamins (B6, B12, Riboflavin and Niacin). Most of us know fish liver oils are a good source of vitamins A and D, my mom use to give us cod liver oils pills when we were little. Did you know they are also rich in essential minerals too? (Calcium, Potassium, Iron, Zinc, Phosphorous and Selenium) If you want to reap a full array of minerals from seafood, make sure to include a variety of saltwater and freshwater fish, mollusks and crustaceans in your diet.
Fish are also high in protein....while low in fat and calories - making FISH and attractive option for dieters and for people who want to build lean muscle mass without increasing body fat. When you choose to eat the pescatarian way, your diet will offer a broader range of options for meeting your protein needs.
* Remember...Fish comes in a wide range of tastes and textures and can also be prepared many different ways.
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