The American Heart Association has always said that fish oil is an excellent dietary source of Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically DHA and EPA. Sources of DHA and EPA are fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, trout, and albacore tuna, as well as shellfish such as mussels, oysters, and crab.
Our bodies need Omega-3 fatty acids like DHA and EPA for numerous basic functions, from muscle activity to cell growth, from fighting inflammation to improving brain and heart health and even for boosting bone density. These Omega-3 fatty acids may also prevent inflammation and reduce the risk of arthritis.
Seafood, which is very high in Omega-3 fatty acids, has been shown to decrease the risk of ADHD, depression, dementia, and even Alzheimer’s.
In addition, seafood provides vitamins A, B, and D. It is rich in phosphorus and is a great source of minerals, such as iodine, zinc, iron, potassium, and magnesium. Vitamin A protects vision and has been linked to better eyesight as well as significantly boosting the immune system. B-complex vitamins are good for skin health and positively influence energy production and concentration. Seafood is the best dietary source of Vitamin D, an essential nutrient which promotes calcium absorption and healthy bone growth.
According to the Global Journal of Health Science (Hosomi, Yoshida, & Fukunaga, 2012):
There is evidence that increased consumption of seafood and bioactive components derived from fish, shellfish, and seaweed could have a positive impact on the health of people around the world. Thus, the role of seafood in the maintenance and enhancement of health may grow stronger, given the problem of lifestyle-related disease and the local food environment.
The evidence is indisputable. Eating seafood can boost your mood, reduce the risk of asthma in children, benefit an infant’s growth and development, prevent chronic diseases, and even boost your life expectancy. So, it's no wonder that a seafood-based diet contributes to living a long and healthy life.