There are many benefits of consuming plant-based products. However, one of the most overlooked foods when talking about sustainable diets is seafood. The UK government recommends eating two portions of seafood per week. However, the majority of people only eat half of that.
The truth is sustainable seafood is easy to add to your diet. It’s also good for you and the planet. With that said, the top reasons why include:
1. Humans Can’t Produce Omega-3
Human bodies can’t produce omega-3 fats, which are essential for heart health and for brain health. The best sources of omega-3 fats include mackerel and salmon. By consuming such fish, you can ensure you receive the omega-3s your body needs.
There are a number of benefits that omega-3s offer, such as helping with lowering high blood pressure, reducing heart disease risk, as well as reduce depression symptoms. Omega-3s also play a role in preventing dementia. Not only that, but omega-3s are good for reducing pain, hair health and skin health.
2. Meet Your Dietary Needs
According to the UN, in order for humans’ dietary needs to be meant by 2050, 70% more food needs to be produced. Seafood that has been sustainably sourced can help meet those dietary needs.
A good portion of the globe is covered by water. There are reports out there that suggest that the ocean can provide over 3X more food than what it currently provides. In the long run, this means seafood can eventually meet the majority of our dietary needs.
3. Seafood Is Good For Our Overall Health
Seafood in general is packed with vitamins, nutrients and minerals. All of this play a role in supporting our overall well-being and health. Seafood is often low in saturated fats, high in calcium and very high in protein.
Seafood is a great source of potassium and magnesium. It’s also a great source of iron, Vitamin A, B, D, iodine and zinc. If someone wants to support their eye health, heart healthy and immune system, then they should try to eat fish at least once per week. Ideally, they should eat it twice per week.
Kiln roasted smoked salmon will save the day. Cooked in the smokehouse a few flakes will deliciously spruce up meals and whole sides are fantastic for feeding large groups with no fuss. You can choose the whole side or a slice whatever you need.
4. Low Carbon Footprint
More and more people are becoming concerned about climate change, and rightfully so. Now more than ever people need to do what they can to tackle climate change. What’s really frightening is climate change can potentially have a negative impact on food systems around the world.
A plant-based diet offers many benefits. One of them is being able to do your part in tackling climate change. However, seafood can also be beneficial in this regard.
Seafood has a lower carbon footprint than some dairy products, pork and beef. Seafood is harvested with sustainable practices in mind. When seafood is part of a balanced diet, then you might not need as much red meat as you would if you weren’t eating seafood.
5. Allow Stocks To Recover
When fisheries implement sustainable practices, then they can restore an abundance of stock. Endangered species will have a better chance of recovering. In turn, these species may reproduce.
It’s important to look after the ocean. Depleting the ocean of its resources can cause severe problems. By taking care of it, humans can enjoy the benefits that come along with consuming seafood.
6. The Industry Is Constantly Improving
When parts of the world don’t have sustainable stock of haddock and cod, then Norway and the UK are often called upon to provide them. The seafood industry in Norway prides itself on being a leader in aquaculture management. Not only that, but the country takes sustainability seriously.
Norway is committed to eradicating antibiotics used in farming salmon. They also adhere to strict regulations. In turn, fish stock is of high quality.