Fish And Shellfish Essay

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Fish and shellfish are an important part of a healthy diet. Fish and shellfish have 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 heart health and children's proper growth and development. Thus, women and young children, in particular, should include fish or shellfish in their diets due to the many nutritional benefits.
However, fish and shellfish contain traces of mercury. For most people, the risk from mercury by eating fish and shellfish is not a health concern. Yet, some fish and shellfish contain higher levels of mercury that may harm an unborn baby or young child's developing nervous system. The risks from mercury in fish and shellfish depend on the amount of fish and shellfish eaten and the levels of mercury in the fish and shellfish. Therefore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental
Each serving is 3.5 ounce cooked, or about ¾ cup of flaked fish. Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout, sardines, and albacore tuna are high in omega-3 fatty acids. Increasing omega-3 fatty acid consumption through foods is efficient towards people’s health, especially for the heart. Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that in particular have been associated with a decreased risk of developing coronary heart disease and hypertension. Plant sources of omega-3 include soybean oil, canola oil, walnuts, and flaxseed. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid are long-chain omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and may be particularly beneficial. The body can make the hormone-like compound prostaglandin from EPA. This particular prostaglandin reduces the blood-clotting rate and thus the likelihood of a clot blocking the coronary arteries (Santrock,

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