Seafood 101:
Fish and Cardiovascular Health

Eating healthier and taking care of our cardiovascular health is easy when you eat more fish. Changing our diets to include different types of seafood every week is one of the easiest ways to improve our heart health. Going to Resorts World Restaurants in Las Vegas, or selecting fresh seafood from your grocery store can help you live a healthy and long life.

The best seafood and more on the Vegas Strip is at Aqua Seafood & Caviar Restaurant. Book your dinner reservation today.

What are the benefits of eating fish for cardiovascular health?

• Lower risk of heart attack and stroke: Eating fish regularly can lower the risk of coronary artery disease, as well as reduce the chances of having a stroke. Fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to help reduce cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and decrease inflammation throughout the body. 
• Improved overall cardiovascular health: Studies have linked eating fish to improved overall cardiovascular health by reducing plaque buildup in arteries, decreasing triglyceride levels, and promoting healthier blood vessels. Fish is also packed with essential vitamins and minerals that can help keep your heart healthy. 
• Reduced risk of sudden cardiac death: Research has suggested that consuming fish twice or more per week may significantly reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death due to its anti-inflammatory properties. This could be particularly beneficial for people who already have existing cardiovascular problems or those at higher risk for developing them in the future. 
• Increased HDL (good) cholesterol levels: The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish can help boost HDL cholesterol levels which helps protect against atherosclerosis and other forms of heart disease by promoting better circulation within your body’s vascular system.

How does eating fish help your heart?

Fish and the cardiovascular system are related in many ways. Fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to help lower cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, and decrease inflammation throughout the body. This can reduce the risk of coronary artery disease, as well as reduce the chances of having a stroke. 

What are omega-3 fatty acids?

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential polyunsaturated fatty acids found in certain food sources, such as fish, nuts, and some vegetable oils. These fats have multiple health benefits and are important for normal body functions. 

Omega-3s help reduce inflammation throughout the body, lower cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, promote better circulation within your body’s vascular system, and can even help improve mental health.

Why are they good for your heart?

Consuming fish regularly may improve overall cardiovascular health by reducing plaque buildup in arteries and triglyceride levels while promoting healthier blood vessels. Additionally, eating fish twice or more per week can significantly reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death due to its anti-inflammatory properties. 

Furthermore, omega-3s can also help lower cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, and promote better circulation within the body’s vascular system. 

Does caviar contain omega-3s?

Yes, caviar contains omega-3 fatty acids. However, it is important to note that the amount of omega-3s in caviar can vary depending on the type and species of fish used to make it. 

What other types of seafood contain omega-3s?

You do not have to limit your selection to fish when you want to increase your omega-3s. Other seafood that contains omega-3s include:

• Oysters
• Mussels
• Crab
• Clams
• Shrimp
• Squid
• Lobster
• Scallops

How much fish should you eat?

It is recommended that adults consume at least two four-ounce servings of fish or seafood per week. One serving should be an oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel, herring, or sardines which are higher in omega-3 fatty acids. 

Are there any other concerns related to eating fish?

Some fish can contain contaminants such as mercury, which can be harmful to your health. Therefore, limiting your consumption of certain types of fish and checking with local advisories before consuming any type of fish is essential. 

Additionally, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speaking to a healthcare professional about the safety and appropriate amount of fish for heart health you should consume is essential.

What types of seafood should I avoid?

Many of the processed frozen seafood varieties, like fish sticks, can be very high in sodium. Always read the nutrition labels on these products to ensure they do not contain too much sodium or other additives the body does not need. 

However, keep in mind not all salt is bad. For example, ceviche uses salt as a natural preservative. Yet, it is considered to be one of the healthiest fish meals you can enjoy. The same is true with caviar. 

How often should I check my cardiovascular health?

It is recommended to have your cardiovascular health checked at least once a year by your doctor. This should include a physical exam, blood tests, and any other tests that may be necessary, depending on your age and risk factors. 

Additionally, it is essential to maintain healthy lifestyle habits such as eating fish or seafood twice a week as part of a balanced diet, exercising regularly, not smoking or drinking too much alcohol, and reducing stress levels.

How should I prepare seafood at home?

Everyone enjoys frying seafood. However, this reduces the health benefits because frying increases bad cholesterol and harmful fat levels. It also removes many of the omega-3s. Instead, preparing seafood and fish at home by baking, steaming, or roasting is much better as these preparation methods retain more of the omega-3s. 

You can also enjoy certain types of seafood raw, including salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring, oysters, and clams. However, it is essential to ensure the seafood is fresh and has been properly stored when you plan on consuming it raw. 

Enjoy tasty seafood while improving your cardiovascular health. Come join us for dinner today.