Cornish Food Market

Seafood: the miracle food found right here in Cornwall

January 11, 2012 in Fish | 0 comments

We all know seafood is good for us. But did you know it can do everything from improving your joints to helping to ward off depression?

According to the NHS, most of us should have more fish in our diet. And we should all include at least two portions of fish a week, including one of oily fish. Oily fish such as mackerel are rich in long-chain omega-3 fatty acids and are a good source of vitamins A and D. Whitefish like cod and gurnard are a good source of protein that do not contain the more harmful types of fat found in meat, and they also contain the omega-3 fatty acids, although at a lower level than oily fish.

What is Omega-3?
Omega-3 refers to the fatty acids found in oil-rich fish, the two most important being eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These fatty acids come from the family of 'good' fats that are not only beneficial for health but are essential in the diet - as they cannot be made by the body.

Why is Omega-3 good for you?
From healthy hearts to healthy minds, everyone can benefit from increasing their Omega-3 intake!
According to seafish.org, there are ten reasons to eat more seafood:

1. Maintains a healthy heart: Ever it was observed that fish-eating Inuit populations of the Arctic had low levels of heart disease, scientists have begun to better understand the strong link between fish and a healthy heart. Eating a portion of fish rich in Omega-3 as little as once a week can help lower the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood – two fats that, in excess, increase the risk of heart disease. Omega-3 fats are also high in anti-oxidants, which help to stop the hardening and damage to artery walls.

2. Eating fish regularly can improve circulation and reduce the risk of thrombosis – painful blood clots that can ultimately be fatal.

3. Fish oils are good for your joints – so much so that including fish as a regular part of a balanced diet has been shown to improve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Recent research has also found a link between Omega-3 fats and a slowing down in the wearing down of cartilage that leads to osteoarthritis.

4. Eating fish is great for your eyes, keeping them bright and healthy. Fish is known to be rich in retinol – a form of Vitamin A that is easily absorbed by the body and helps boost night vision.

5. Fish is an excellent source of many nutrients: it is high in minerals such as iodine and selenium, which keep the body running smoothly. And it contains vitamin A, which is needed for healthy skin and eyes, and vitamin D, which is needed to help the body absorb calcium to strengthen teeth and bones.

6. A number of studies have suggested that including fish in the diet may help protect lungs.

7. Research has indicated a link between a lack of Omega-3 fatty acids in the diet and a higher risk of depression and seasonal effective disorder. Other studies have reinforced these findings by showing that people suffering with severe depression have lower than normal levels of the Omega-3 fats EPA and DHA.

8. Your skin will look great! Not only do Omega-3 fats help the skin protect itself against harmful effects of the environment such as UV damage, but eating lots of fish oils can also help with the symptoms of skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Fish is also a rich source of protein - an essential ingredient of collagen, which helps to hold back the years, keeping skin firm and more resistant to the effects of ageing.

9. There is some evidence to suggest that a diet rich in fish oils can help protect against inflammatory bowel diseases as well as slow the progression of these diseases.

10. And last but not least, it boosts your brainpower! The human brain is almost 60% fat, and much of this is the Omega-3 fat DHA. Studies have shown that people who eat plenty of fish during their lives tend to experience less dementia and memory problems as they get older. Other research has also suggested that adding more DHA to the diet of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder can reduce their behavioural problems, increase their concentration and improve their reading skills.

So, we all need to eat more fish….. but how can we do this without endangering fish stocks and the environment?

Sustainability is the watchword of the modern seafood industry. Protecting marine ecosystems and supporting the sustainable and efficient harvesting of fisheries are a priority. Overfishing endangers the future supply of the fish and can also cause damage to the environment from which the fish is caught.

If we eat only a few kinds of fish, then numbers of these fish can fall very low due to overfishing of these stocks. So to ensure there are enough fish and shellfish to eat, choose from as wide a range of these foods as possible!

At cornishfoodmarket.co.uk, we support the Cornish fishing industry by only supplying fish from a trusted source: for over 50 years Matthew Stevens & Son of St Ives in Cornwall have been providing their customers the finest responsibly sourced fresh fish and seafood.

As a third generation family business, their reputation as the most respected fresh fish and seafood specialist in the Southwest has been driven by providing quality, value and service. Much of the fish they buy comes from the fishing harbours of the south west including Mevagissey, Looe, Newlyn, and of course, their home port of St Ives. Amongst these boats are the smaller day boats that work closer to shore harvesting smaller quantities but wonderful quality fresh fish and shellfish. Knowing many of these skippers and crew as we do, they only supply us the best of the catch.

All the fish and seafood is prepared at the company’s purpose built preparation and packing facility overlooking St Ives Bay, across to Godrevy and the glorious sandy beaches that Cornwall is famous for. Filleted, boned, prepared and packed, a wonderful variety of fish and seafood such as Monkfish, Cod, Lemon Sole, John Dory, Gurnard and Scallops are delivered directly to you.

To help you start getting more fish in your diet, have a look at some of our recipes:
• Pan-fried fillet of gurnard with a lemon herb risotto
• Smoked Haddock Chowder
• John Dory with Scallops and Apple Chutney
• Mackerel with Rhubarb & Sherry Vinegar