According to Seafish half of adults in the UK eat less than the recommended two portions of seafood a week. The latest research shows that GPs and health centres could do more to ensure that the public better understands the Food Standards Agency’s advice regarding seafood. The research was commissioned by Seafish, the Sea Fish Industry Authority, reveals that a staggering 81 percent of adults revealed they would try to eat two portions of seafood a week if their doctor recommended it.
The survey also indicates that 90 percent said their GP had never advised eating seafood to improve heart-health or omega-3 levels. Juliette Kellow, independent nutritionist, told that fish and shellfish are some of the healthiest foods available. She also said that these fishes are a great source of protein and provide a variety of different vitamins and minerals. There is no denying fact that oil-rich seafood is also the best natural source of long-chain omega 3 fatty acids, which are proven to help maintain heart health. That’s why the Food Standards Agency recommends eating at least two portions a week, one of which should be oil-rich.
Seafish research was a part of a healthy eating campaign which highlights the growing importance of fish and shellfish and encourages people to eat more sustainably sourced seafood every week. Seafish informed that leaflets and posters are being sent to health centres around the UK providing information on why people should eat two portions of seafood a week.
Dr Jon Harman, development director at Seafish, explained that the organization play vital role in this healthy balanced diet and it’s concerning that health practitioners are not recommending it more often to patients to improve their general health, as well as to reduce the risk of serious long-term illnesses caused by a lack of long-chain omega 3 fatty acids.
