Has your doctor told you to eat more fish? Or maybe your nutritionist or personal trainer? Is your healthy eater friend always posting pictures of fish on their social feeds? They are on to something!
Wild fish like Alaskan salmon and halibut have immense vast and wide health benefits packed into each portion. The American Heart Association recommends eating at least two servings of fish per week. Unfortunately, fewer than one in five Americans heeds this advice. Here are 6 reasons why you should eat more fish:
1. Reduces chronic inflammation.
Inflammation is the root cause of most chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes and cancer. One study in 4,105 people found that frequent consumption of fish was associated with lower levels of white blood cells, which are often used as a measure of chronic inflammation.
2. Improves heart health.
Omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish like salmon may have a protective role in the risk of developing hearth disease and slightly reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and arrhythmias. Another study showed that eating fish over the long term was linked to lower total cholesterol, blood triglycerides, fasting blood sugar and systolic blood pressure. Fish consumption also improves the function of cells that line your arteries. A piece of salmon has more potassium than a medium sized banana. Potassium plays an important role in lowering blood pressure.
3. Boosts mood.
The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, EPA and DHA, help to protect, restore and rebuild the brain. The connection between diet and brain health has been well documented, and omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, can change your brain and help to improve your mood. Wild Alaska seafood is one of the world’s most significant sources of EPA and DHA. Did you know that reduced rates of depression and anxiety, including perinatal and postpartum depression, has been linked with consumption of seafood?
4. Builds brain health.
Wild Alaskan fish is known for its nerve cell effects and can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and cognitive decline. Increased levels of EPA and DHA in the blood are associated with increases in gray matter, brain volume and improved cognition. A 2017 study found that people with high levels of omega-3s had increased blood flow in the brain.
5. Improves thyroid function.
Incorporating fish into your diet can improve thyroid function. Fish is a good source of the nutrient selenium, which is most concentrated in the thyroid and helps decrease inflammation. Selenium in wild fish also acts as a natural filter to counteract any mercury that may be present.
6. Regulates weight management.
Like other high-protein foods, wild fish helps regular the hormones that control appetite and make you feel full, reduce appetite, boost metabolism and decrease belly fat. Wild fish helps the body heal after injury, protecting bone health and maintain muscle mass during weight loss as you age. It’s not a coincidence that wild salmon and halibut (white fish) are approved in almost every diet plan!
The bottom line is that wild Alaskan fish is good for your health. Your body cannot create omega-3 fatty acids which means you must get them from your diet. If you do not already regularly incorporate fish into your diet, there is no better time to start than the present!
We recommend trying our wild Alaskan halibut box to savor a superior whitefish. Check out our fish recipes and see what other customers have easily made for inspiration.