by Ashleigh Feltham
Accredited Practising Dietitian and Accredited Nutritionist

The function of your body is a highly tuned system and the health effects of seafood is well documented. When one function becomes dysfunctional it can have a ripple effect. The condition known as metabolic syndrome is an example of this. Metabolic resistance includes having high blood pressure, obesity, cholesterol, and insulin resistance. These conditions put you at greater risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Metabolic syndrome is a common condition in Australia with more than 500,000 people diagnosed each year. This condition is largely determined by lifestyle factors and is why diet and exercise are so important for life. Seafood like Safcol Seafood provides the optimal nutrition matrix to help to keep your body functioning as it should.

Reduce your Risk of Diabetes

In a typical Western diet, there is not enough omega-3 fat found in foods and too much omega-6 fat with a ratio usually sitting at 1:13, with Omega 6 being the larger ratio, this is a ratio of those who have diabetes. A healthy balance for your optimal health should be a ratio of 1:1 or 2:1. (In favour of Omega 3, over Omega 6 fats)

It appears that diets too high in omega 6 and saturated fats influence different enzymes or factors which are catalysts for biochemical reactions that promote the development of diabetes. In addition, saturated fat, and an imbalanced ratio of omega-6 fat to omega-3 fat reduces the ability of your cells to take in insulin. This leaves more insulin present in your blood leading to insulin resistance and eventually diabetes.

When you eat, your body produces inflammation, eating both keeps us alive and ultimately is one factor which ends your life. When seafood is included as a part of your meal the amount of inflammation which is linked to insulin resistance is less. The even better news is that the impact on your body continues to when you are fasting, so your insulin sensitivity is maintained at a healthier level between meals.

When you include fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and trout, all of which are available from the Safcol Seafood brand, the amount of the hormone which signals increased sensitivity to insulin called adiponectin increases, which is a good warning against insulin resistance. Also if your main protein intake was from meat instead of seafood, an inflammatory marker in your body called C-reactive protein is increased.

Prevent Obesity

One important factor in being a healthy weight is for your hunger hormones to provide you the feedback to allow you to feel full. Research has shown that omega-3 fat can reduce your feelings of hunger and increase satiety levels for a longer period.  It was found that those who regularly consumed more polyunsaturated fat in their diet like Safcol Seafood and less saturated fat, had lower levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin. In addition to this the satiety hormone peptide YY was significantly increased.

Helping your Heart with Potassium

Are you getting enough potassium in your diet? Potassium is a mineral which plays many important roles in keeping your body functioning optimally. Potassium is an electrolyte and consequently helps maintain a healthy fluid volume and electrolyte balance in your body. This is essential for your heart, kidneys, and nerves to work well and to lower your blood pressure. Fruits, vegetable, legumes, seafood like Safcol Seafood and dairy are good sources of this mineral.

Healthy Cholesterol Levels

Cholesterol only becomes bad when you have too much of it and too much of the LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and not enough HDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol can lead to plaques of cholesterol forming on your artery walls, ultimately leading to a heart attack or stroke. Having too many triglycerides is like cholesterol, too much can be a bad thing. HDL cholesterol helps to remove the LDL cholesterol from your artery wall, carrying it back to your liver where it can be broken down and removed from your body as waste.

Don’t underestimate the health effects of Seafood. There is strong evidence that omega-3 fat helps to increase your HDL cholesterol and lower your triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. It is a star performer to help create your optimal cholesterol levels. Aim for 2-3 serves of seafood a week with a serve being 100g.

Take home message

The health effects of Seafood are well documented. Your body is intricately connected. Make sure that you are utilising the power of Safcol Seafood to keep it functioning at its best to be able to live your best life.