Seafood encompasses a wide range of aquatic animal life. Most fish and shellfish supply important nutrients and can help round out a healthy, balanced diet. The omega-3 fatty acids in many varieties of seafood may help protect the function of your heart. Seafood is usually a healthy source of nutrients, although improper storage and preparation may lead to food poisoning, a dangerous condition for people with heart problems or other health conditions.
Heart Health
Numerous conditions can affect the health of your heart, such as congestive heart failure. Chronic illness, such as heart valve disease, hyperthyroidism, emphysema and congenital heart disease, can reduce the efficiency of your heart and lead to various symptoms. Common symptoms of heart failure include fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal swelling, cough, shortness of breath and irregular pulse. Dietary changes may help protect your heart from further damage.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Eating fish once or twice a week may help reduce your risk of dying from a heart attack by as much as 33 percent, according to MayoClinic.com. Fish and shellfish contain omega-3 fatty acids, a type of fat that helps reduce your risk of heart disease. Unlike saturated fat, the fat in some seafood may help lower your cholesterol, an important consideration for people with heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids may help minimize blood clotting, lower blood pressure and minimize the risk of sudden cardiac death.
Seafood Dangers
The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in seafood generally outweigh the risks of possible contaminants, such as mercury. Eliminating seafood that tends to contain high amounts of mercury, such as king mackerel, tilefish, swordfish and shark, can help minimize your risk of toxins. Seafood may cause food poisoning, a condition that can cause severe illness. Some fish, such as snapper, mackerel, barracuda and grouper, can cause ciguatera food poisoning. This type of food poisoning may make your heart rate slower, as well as cause a decrease in blood pressure and lead to joint and muscle pain.
Considerations
Discuss your general diet with your doctor, especially if you have a chronic heart condition. Although consuming seafood that contains omega-3 fatty acids can help protect the health of your heart, adding oils for frying or flavoring can reduce the potential health benefits. Avoid fish and shellfish that have a sour, fishy or ammonia-like smell. Store your seafood in the freezer or refrigerator to reduce the risk of food poisoning. Young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems should not eat raw or undercooked fish or shellfish, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
