Omega 3 Oils assist in blood circulation by lowering blood fats and preventing blood clot formation. This aids blood circulation and researchers believe it reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. Research also indicates the Omega 3 oil in fish acts as an anti inflammatory agent and so may reduce the risk of a wide range of health problems, including asthma, pulmonary disease, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease.

High in Protein and low in Fat and Cholesterol

A single serve of fish or other seafood (150 grams) provides 50%-60% of the daily protein needs for an adult. All seafood is low in fat less than 5% fat. All seafood is low in cholesterol with 3 exceptions, prawns, squid and fish roe. However, the higher amounts of cholesterol in these foods are offset by the beneficial omega 3 oils they contain. In comparison to meat, most seafood has similar levels of cholesterol, but only a fraction of the saturated fat. For example, a 150 gram fillet of fish has less than 1 gram of fat and most of this fat is polyunsaturated.

High in Vitamins and Minerals

Seafood is an excellent source of vitamins including iodine, which is essential for the thyroid gland functioning, iron for red cell formation, and zinc is required for wound healing. They are especially rich in niacin, essential for a healthy skin and for the release of energy in the body and vitamin B complex needed for metabolic processes. Oysters, mussels and scallops are excellent sources of iron and zinc.
Oysters and mussels have nearly three times as much iron as most meats and oysters are the richest food source of zinc. So, next time you're at your local De Costi store ask for our new De Costi's Kilpatrick sauce - add this to your favourite oysters with some finely chopped bacon, pop it under the grill and there you have it - Oysters Kilpatrick!
Seafood also supplies phosphorus (a mineral needed for strong bones and teeth and for many of the B-group vitamins to be used effectively) Potassium (essential for muscles and nerves and for controlling blood pressure); and small quantities of many other essential minerals, including magnesium. They are a natural source of sodium. Oysters, prawns scallops contribute calcium, the mineral needed for healthy bones and teeth and for proper functioning of nerves and muscles.

Getting Seafood into your diet - what to do

What can you do to increase your seafood consumption level? First, ask yourself what seafood you already like and eat regularly.Review your favourite seafood recipes; then ask your retailer what other fish or shellfish could be substituted for your usual species. Trying new seafood in old recipes will increase the variety of seafood you eat.

Next, try substituting seafood in some of your recipes that call for red meat or poultry. You can add seafood to homemade pizza, pasta and even tacos. Seafood is a natural in many
stir-fry recipes. If once a week or even every other week you substitute seafood in recipes in which you formerly used red meats or poultry, you will have taken another step to increase the amount of seafood you eat.

Restaurants are good places to try new types of seafood. Ask the staff what the seafood tastes like and how it is prepared; then you can judge wether or not you might like it. Ask questions when you are at your local De Costi's store, your seafood retailer may have some delicious recipes to share and will give you "free" the De Costi traditional family recipes for you to enjoy at home.
Remember, seafood is naturally nutritious and is low in calories and total fat. By putting more seafood, prepared healthfully, in your diet today, you may be able to look forward to a healthier future.