Is there a single food that can benefit both your health and the environment simultaneously? As it turns out, there is a protein source that’s abundant, accompanied by heart-healthy fats, and sustainable. This ancient food source comes with some controversy, but many believe that incorporating more of it into our diets could have a significant impact on our wellbeing and the planet. That food is seafood. Seafood, particularly fish, has consistently been studied for its impressive health benefits. With these advantages in mind, it’s worth considering whether increasing our intake of seafood could be key to unlocking better personal health and promoting the conservation of the world’s oceans.
Fish: A Nutritional Powerhouse
Andrew Sharpless, the CEO of Oceana, an international conservation organization that focuses on ocean protection, has long campaigned for the consumption of more seafood. In his book, The Perfect Protein: The Fish Lover’s Guide to Saving the Oceans and Feeding the World, Sharpless contends that fish is not only the healthiest source of protein but, when harvested sustainably, also offers the best potential for feeding the world’s population.
According to Sharpless, fish is a nutritional powerhouse, boasting numerous benefits that affect our wellbeing:
- Packed with Brain-Healthy Omega-3 Fats: Fish is well known as a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for optimal brain health. Omega-3s have been connected to various cognitive improvements, such as decreasing the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, enhancing memory and attentiveness in adults, and promoting the healthy development of infants’ brains before birth.
- Boosts Cardiovascular Wellness: Incorporating more seafood into our diets can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, stroke, and heart attack. It protects heart health by lowering inflammation, reducing blood clotting, and assisting with the regulation of blood pressure levels and blood vessel function.
- Safer Than Industrial Meats: Fish is often considered a safer option when compared to industrial meats like conventional beef and pork. These meats typically contain additives and frequently have a detrimental impact on the environment due to pollution from large-scale production. Incorporating more seafood into your diet can help you avoid these potential health risks and environmental issues.
Sustainable Seafood Consumption
While incorporating more fish into our diets might seem like the obvious solution, making sustainable seafood choices is critical to protect the world’s oceans without depleting natural resources. Ensuring that we source fish responsibly and in a manner that prevents overfishing is crucial to maintaining a delicate ecosystem balance and preventing the collapse of global fish stocks.
Sharpless and his organization rigorously maintain that we must regulate the ways in which fish are caught to ensure that these populations are not indiscriminately wiped out. In an article for The Huffington Post, he shared a succinct guideline for consuming seafood sustainably: “Eat wild seafood. Not too much of the big fish. Mostly local.”
Expanding upon this advice, here are some specific tips for making more informed seafood choices:
- Pay attention to fishing practices: Opt for fish that have been caught using methods that reduce the amount of bycatch (unwanted fish and other marine creatures accidentally caught in fishing gear) and habitat damage. Look for third-party certifications, such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) label, on your seafood products, as these can serve as an indicator of responsible fishing practices.
- Choose smaller fish: Opting for smaller fish, such as sardines, anchovies, and mackerel, can be beneficial for both your health and the environment. These fish species contain fewer contaminants like mercury and they reproduce quickly, making them a more sustainable option compared to larger fish like tuna and swordfish.
- Eat locally sourced seafood: Sourcing seafood from local fisheries can have a positive impact on local ecosystems and economies while reducing your carbon footprint. By choosing locally harvested fish, you’re supporting sustainable fishing practices and ensuring the seafood you’re consuming is fresher and less likely to have undergone excessive transportation.
Incorporating more seafood into our diets can contribute significantly to our overall health and wellbeing. However, it is essential to be mindful of where our seafood comes from and how it is sourced to promote the conservation of the ocean’s resources and maintain a sustainable food system for future generations. With responsible choices and a focus on sustainable practices, we can reap the rewards of this perfect protein for both our health and the environment.
