Eat Seafood, See Weight Loss, Fish Advocates Say

Recent news reports confirm that obesity rates continued to climb in over 30 states in 2006, so it might be surprising to learn that there are some foods Americans need to eat more of. Currently only 20 percent of the general population and 18 percent of pregnant moms are eating two weekly servings of seafood as recommended by experts, including the American Heart Association (AHA) and American Dietetic Association (ADA). More people might dive in to seafood if they knew that in addition to being low in fat and high in protein, fish contains other components that may boost weight loss.

A study published recently in the International Journal of Obesity finds that in young adult men, a low-calorie diet that includes fish results in slightly more weight loss than a similar low-calorie diet without fish. The study is part of SEAFOODplus, a large multicenter project sponsored by the European Union to explore the benefits of seafood. Researchers think seafood can enhance weight loss because of the omega-3 fatty acids, which may decrease growth of fat cells, and special fish proteins, which may reduce body fat mass.

"Seafood is a smart choice not only for a fit lifestyle, but a busy schedule. Many people don't know that seafood is quick and easy to prepare and that it is also inexpensive. There are many new products on the market like flavored canned and pouched tuna, flash frozen shrimp that cooks up in minutes and pre-marinated fresh tilapia fillets that come ready to throw on
the grill," says Jennifer Wilmes, nutritionist with The National Fisheries Institute. The institute is an advocate for the fish industry.

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