We examine the health benefits of a pescatarian diet
What are the benefits of a pescatarian diet? Those who practice in this fish and seafood diet consume their main source of animal protein from fish and other seafoods. In this article, we will look into the health benefits of a pescatarian diet as well as what foods are available for pescatarian dieters to eat.
A diet high in plant-based foods has a number of health benefits, which may be enhanced by the addition of fish and fish products. Just be a bit careful as some fish are very high in mercury, and certain people may need to consume less of these types of fish. With that in mind, here are some of the health benefits of a pescatarian diet.
Cancer
According to a study done by the National Cancer Institute, the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States are colorectal cancers. Colorectal cancers, or cancers of the colon and rectum, may also be protected by a pescatarian diet.
Heart Health
Consuming fish, fatty fish in particular, increases long-chain omega-3 fatty acid intake. An omega-3 fatty acid is an unsaturated fat that is very beneficial for the body, and some omega-3s are essential for living a healthy lifestyle. In comparison to non fish eaters, those who eat fish usually have lower blood pressure, fewer fatal heart attacks, and less risk of irregular heartbeats. Since pescatarian diets also consist of a high amount of veggies, it helps with a reduction of coronary heart disease risk.
Diabetes and Inflammation
The American Heart Association has stated that the Omega-3s present in fatty fish may reduce inflammation. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances, such as flavonoids, are abundant in plant-based foods as well. There are plant-derived natural compounds and anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties found in flavonoids. A plant-based diet has been shown to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Foods To Consider
Now that we know the possible benefits of a pescatarian diet, here are some suggestions of fish that one can eat on the plant, fish, and seafood diet. Buen provecho!
- canned sardines
- canned salmon
- canned tuna
- fish sticks
- frozen salmon, trout, and herring
- frozen shrimp
- fresh fish (catfish, pollock, salmon, sardines)
- fresh shellfish (clams, scallops, shrimp)