Michelle Gonzalez, Fishmongress at Quality Seafood Market, writes a monthly article for Live Oak Pharmacy on seafood as an essential part of whole body wellness.

As most of us know, SEAFOOD = OMEGA 3s = HEALTHIER BODY! While this is true there are many other benefits and reasons to love and consume the recommended 8oz of seafood weekly.

Here are five reasons you should incorporate seafood into your diet:

• Eating fish reduces the risk of death from heart disease, the leading cause of death in both men and women. Seafood intake has also been linked to a lower risk of stroke, depression and mental decline with age.
• Fish intake is extremely important for pregnant women and mothers who are breastfeeding because it supplies DHA, a specific omega-3 fatty acid that is beneficial for infant’s brain development.
• Essential fatty acids found in most seafood may cut your risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Various reports show that long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids can slow mental decline and even reduce the development of Alzheimer’s disease in older people.
• Seafood lovers and eaters have lower risks of getting cancer. The Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are the essential components responsible for protection against cancer. In fact, there had been reports that people who eat fish regularly have low risks of cancers of the mouth, throat, stomach, colon, rectum, pancreas, lung, breast, and prostate.
• Shellfish help aid in healthy skin, and good eyesight. Different varieties of shellfish are rich in vitamins and minerals, aside from being very low in fat content. Shellfish helps guarantee healthy skin and promotes good eyesight because vitamins contained in shellfish aid in formation and use of red blood cells and muscles.

It is important that you purchase the freshest seafood possible for the most benefits. So keep these quick tips and tidbits in mind when purchasing your seafood at your local market.

• Buy your seafood from markets that have a reputable name. Quality Seafood Market has been selling seafood since 1938. They are known for their fresh fish and friendly and trustworthy fishmongers.  Go with your gut instinct and ask yourself: What is my first impression of this facility? Does it look and smell clean?
• Only buy fish that is refrigerated or properly iced. Fish should be displayed on a thick bed of fresh ice and preferably in a case.
• Previously frozen ais still considered fresh. Nowadays, fresh catches can be processed and frozen immediately to very low temperatures – frequently, this takes place right on the fishing vessel.
• Fish should smell fresh and mild NEVER sour, fishy or ammonia-like. Remember that a fish’s eyes should be clear, and the fish should have firm, shiny flesh. Dull flesh, fillet discoloration (green to yellowish) and cloudy eyes could mean the fish is on it’s last fin or not good!
• Thaw frozen seafood gradually by placing it in the refrigerator overnight. If you have to thaw seafood quickly, seal it in a plastic bag and immerse it in cold water.
• Seafood should be cooked to an internal temp of 145°F. if you don’t have a food thermometer lying around use these everyday techniques to know when your seafood is ready. Fish: Flesh should be opaque and separate easily. Shrimp & Lobster: Flesh becomes pearly-opaque. Scallops: Flesh turns milky white or opaque and firm. Clams, mussels, and oysters: Look for their shells to open and throw away the shells that don’t open.
• Remember to always consult your physician or pharmacist if you have any known allergens or medical conditions before consuming seafood.

National Seafood Month provides the perfect opportunity to become a healthier you, to branch out and try a new fish or shellfish or pass on new seafood facts and information you have learned to family and friends. Give yourself the gift of health and seafood awareness this month. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and try new things!

Additional Seafood Sources and References:

About Seafood – http://www.aboutseafood.com/

Seafood Health Facts – http://seafoodhealthfacts.org/

National Marine Fisheries Service – http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/

National Marine Fisheries Service, 2010. Fisheries of the United States 2010

http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/st1/fus/fus10/highlight2010.pdf

U.S. Food and Drug Administration - http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm077331.htm

The opinions expressed by our guest bloggers do not necessary reflect the opinions of Live Oak Pharmacy. The opinions expressed by guest blogers are their own, unless otherwise stated. No financial agreement exists between guest bloggers and Live Oak Pharmacy.