Seafood is among the healthiest foods on the planet. It is loaded with important nutrients, such as protein and vitamin D.

Certain seafood types are also the world’s best source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are incredibly important for your body and brain.

Apart from being simply delicious, it is also extremely healthy due to it being nutrient rich. Seafood is high in protein, vitamins and minerals and rich in Omega-3 fatty acids.

So, you can rest assured that your Fresh Catch Deli order is packed with both health benefits and value for money! Here is a list of some of the key benefits:

Calories and Protein

Seafood is generally considered to be a low-calorie protein source. Most low-fat species of fish, such as cod and sole, contain less than 100 calories per 85gram cooked portion, and even fattier fish like mackerel, herring, and salmon have about 200 calories per serving. Seafood is a complete protein source. It contains enough of the essential amino acids to assure healthy growth and optimal fetal development. A serving of most fish and shellfish provides about 30-40% of the average daily recommended amount of protein. The protein in seafood is also easier to digest because seafood has less connective tissue than red meats and poultry.

Fat and Cholesterol

Seafood is generally considered to be low in total fat and saturated fat. Most fish and shellfish contain less than 5 percent total fat, and even the fattiest fish, such as mackerel and salmon, have no more than 15 percent fat. A large proportion of the fat in seafood is polyunsaturated, including omega-3 fatty acids, which have added health benefits.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that are required for healthy human development. These organic compounds cannot be produced by the human body and therefore need to be obtained through food.

Cholesterol is present at varying amounts in most animal foods. Current dietary recommendations suggest limiting cholesterol intake to 300 mg per day. Almost all fish and shellfish contain well under 100 mg of cholesterol per cooked serving, and many of the leaner types of fish have less than 60 mg.

Provides essential nutrients

Though the specifics depend upon which type of seafood you consume, seafood is known for being a natural source of vitamins and minerals. B-complex vitamins, vitamin D and vitamin B. B-complex vitamins (vitamins such as B1, B3, biotin, B12, etc.) perform many different functions, influencing energy production, metabolism, concentration, and even beauty!

Some types of fish, such as salmon, are rich in vitamin A, which helps protect vision and boost the immune and reproductive system’s capabilities. Another vitamin found in some seafood – often the fatty skin of salmon, tuna and others – is vitamin D, which promotes healthy bone growth, calcium absorption, and boosts immune system efficiency as well as cell growth.

Promotes heart health

While seafood is nutritious enough to be low in saturated fats and high in protein, its greatest health benefit lies in its abundant source of omega-3 fatty acids. While several studies have been conducted on the benefits of the omega-3 fatty acids, they are most notably known for their benefits in heart health. In fact, they can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular events from occurring, such as arrhythmias, strokes, and heart attacks. Though many prefer to acquire their omega-3 fatty acids with capsules, scientists prefer the actual consumption of actual seafood.

Good for your joints

Eating seafood on a regular basis has been proven to ease the symptoms of arthritis. Research has shown that omega-3 fatty acids can ease tender joints and reduce morning stiffness in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis.

Maintains eyesight

A 2014 study published in the Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science Journal suggests that those who consume omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood are less likely to suffer from age-related macular degeneration, a disease that can result in the loss of vision. Fish and shellfish can also boost your night vision. Eating oil-rich fish regularly can help to keep the eyes bright and healthy.

Good Skin

Eating seafood helps preserve moisture in the skin. Your skin’s natural glow is affected more from what you eat than what you apply directly to it. The omega-3 fatty acids in seafood protect the skin against UV rays from the sun and recent research has found limited findings suggesting fish oil can help reduce the prevalence of acne.

Boosts brainpower

Seafood omega-3s may lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. A sufficient intake of DHA and EPA found in omega-3 fatty acids are known to promote proper brain growth in infants and children, and recent research speculates long-term consumption of omega-3 fatty acids can boost cognitive function in aging women.

Fights against depression

Recent research has shown an association between the consumption of omega-3 fatty acids and the risk of depression, and has found that consuming omega-3 fatty acids can not only decrease the risk of depression, but also has the potential to treat depression as well. Consuming more seafood can help you have a better, more positive outlook on life.

Pregnancy benefits

Studies indicate that eating more fish has positive benefits on birth weight because it enhances fetal growth and development. Seafood consumption can also aid in reducing preterm delivery and is essential for central nervous system development.

Improves immune function

Increased omega-3 consumption can reduce the symptoms of asthma and certain allergies. Selenium is a potent antioxidant found in seafood that is known to improve the immune system.

A variety of choices

Who doesn’t like having options, right? There is a great variation of seafood to choose from. Chicken is chicken, beef is beef and pork is pork. Yet your seafood options are abundant!