Nutritional Content and Benefits of Seafood for Health
Apart from its delicious taste, seafood or seafood is popular because it contains many nutrients that are good for the body. The protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins and minerals of seafood are too important to pass up. follow us for more
In addition to containing protein, vitamins and minerals, seafood is known to be rich in nutrients that animals that live on land do not have. These nutrients include omega-3 fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which are beneficial to the body. The following are the benefits of seafood for health based on the nutritional content in it:
1. Proteins
Seafood is a source of high-quality protein because they are generally low in bad fats. This protein is very well consumed by children and adolescents because it can increase muscle mass and strength. Meanwhile for adults, high-protein food intake can also keep the body fit and strong.
All seafood contains different protein values. However, tuna and salmon are the best types of seafood with protein, because they are lower in calories and contain lots of healthy fats.
2. Vitamins
Seafood also contains a number of vitamins to support the body’s organs to function optimally. Some of these vitamins are:
Vitamin A for eye health
Vitamin D for healthy teeth and bones
Vitamin E as an antioxidant that is useful for winning free radicals
Vitamin B12 to protect nerve cells
Some examples of seafood that contain vitamins A, D and B12 are salmon, tuna, sardines, shrimp and mackerel. Meanwhile, seafood that contains vitamin E, including octopus, salmon, abalone, and lobster.
3. Minerals
Minerals that can be found in many seafood include iron and iodine. Both have an important role in health. Iron is useful for preventing anemia, and iodine is useful for preventing goiter. Examples of seafood that contain lots of this mineral include salmon, sardines, and tuna.
4. Omega-3 fatty acids
Seafood is known for its omega-3 fatty acids consisting of DHA and EPA. Both types of fat have a role that is very beneficial for the body. EPA plays a role in helping fight inflammation, while DHA plays an important role in supporting the development of brain function and vision function, as well as reducing the risk of chronic disease. Omega-3 fatty acids can be obtained from various types of fish, such as tuna, salmon, mackerel, tuna, mackerel, pomfret, cakalang, mackerel, and sardines. Besides fish, other seafood that contains omega-3 acids include oysters, shrimp and lobster.
5. Carotenoids
There are many seafood that contain carotenoid group compounds. Examples are shrimp, crab, and salmon. The compounds that give rise to red and orange colors are known to have many benefits, including lowering blood fat levels and working as antioxidants and anti-inflammatories.