This guest post is by IFBC19 sponsor Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute
Whether you’re an avid pescatarian or you’re looking for delicious ways to get the vitamins and minerals your body needs, Alaska seafood has a lot to offer. Alaska seafood is a key source of marine omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) which are essential for our bodies to promote heart health, suppress inflammatory responses, improve blood flow and participate in brain function. Alaska seafood is also naturally high in many essential vitamins and minerals including vitamins E, A, D and B12. Alaska seafood provides a complete, high-quality protein keeping muscles and bones strong and healthy.
What’s not to love? Here are 10 ways Alaska seafood can improve your wellbeing.
- Be Brainy
Alaska seafood contains vitamin B12, which protects brain cells and prevents memory loss. Omega-3s from seafood give your brain a mental edge. They are linked to sharper brain function, cognition and memory. You may lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and possibly Parkinson’s disease.
Alaska King Crab contains 9.8 micrograms of vitamin B12 in each serving. What a tasty way to get a brain boost! We recommend this Alaska King Crab Avocado Toast by author and blogger Maya Wilson of Alaska From Scratch.
- Eyes like a Hawk
Keeping your eyes in good working order is a must and Alaska seafood is where it’s at. Many types of Alaska seafood are high in vitamins A and D, which help improve vision and prevent age-related macular degeneration.
Alaska sockeye salmon contains 50 mcg of vitamin A and 14 mcg of vitamin D. Stay eagle-eyed and try our Grilled Alaska Sockeye Salmon with Compound Butter recipe.
- Skin that Glows
Radiant, elastic skin is more attainable than you think! Fatty fish, such as salmon and herring, are high in omega-3s, which help keep your skin supple and moisturized. Alaska King salmon contains a whopping 1,476 mg of omega-3s in every serving!
Hop on the Instant Pot train by trying our Instant Pot Wild Alaska Salmon with Peanut Sauce recipe. Your skin will thank you!
- Be True to Your Heart
The American Heart Association recommends eating two servings of fish a week to maintain heart health. Consuming omega-3s can help prevent blood clots, heart attacks and strokes. Alaska sablefish is chock full of omega-3s — 1,543 mg per serving! Keep your ticker ticking and try our mouthwatering recipe for Miso Glazed Alaska Sablefish with Asian Cucumber Salad.
- A Joint Effort
If you haven’t figured it out already, omega-3 fatty acids are like superheroes for your body. Add joint health to their list of benefits. Consuming omega-3s can help reduce joint tenderness and stiffness and also keep the effects of rheumatoid arthritis at bay.
Canned Alaska pink salmon contains 914-1,403 mg of omega-3s per serving. It’s also easy to find at most grocery stores. Spice it up and give your joints some love with our Cajun Style Alaska Salmon and Corn Cakes recipe.
- First Line of Defense
A strong immune system is what keeps your body safe from disease-causing microorganisms. Vitamin E is a great way to maintain a healthy immune system. Alaska rockfish contains 12% of the recommended daily value of vitamin E. So the next time you’re cheering for your team’s defensive line, snack on our Wild Alaska Rockfish Nachos.
- Alaska Seafood – It Does a Body Good
Active bodies need protein to support athletic performance and recovery. The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion’s most recent Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests “incorporating seafood as the protein foods choice in meals twice per week in place of meat, poultry, or eggs.” Well, good news! Alaska seafood is a wonderful source of protein.
Alaska halibut contains 20 grams of protein in every serving. Our Pan Seared Alaska Halibut Steaks with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil is healthy and packed with flavor!
- Trust Your Gut
A healthy gut is the key to a healthy body. Bring in our superstars, omega-3s! A recent study shows omega-3 fatty acids may improve the biodiversity of the gut. Fermented foods are also great for your gut, so try our Korean Miso-Cured Alaska Salmon with Fresh Cucumber Asian Pear Kimchi and get your microbiome moving!
- Healthy Mom, Healthy Baby
If you are a seafood lover and happen to be pregnant, good news! Consuming omega-3s during pregnancy is not only good for the mother, but they could have beneficial effects on a child’s eye and hand coordination.
Both salmon and pollock contain low levels of mercury and are safe for women to eat 2-3 times a week during pregnancy. We recommend trying our Wild Alaska Pollock Coconut Curry with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce.
- Make No Bones About It
Protein, vitamin D and omega-3s are all found in Alaska seafood and keep your bones strong by absorbing key nutrients to maintain bone density. Alaska sockeye salmon is a triple threat – high in protein levels, vitamin D and omega-3s. Stay strong and make the most of your leftover sockeye with these delicious Alaska Salmon Cakes with Spicy Turmeric Garlic.