Although heart disease was the leading cause of death in 2017, a healthy diet and exercise can reduce premature death from heart-related causes by 72% and sudden cardiac death by 80%. Seafood is part of that healthy diet and has many health benefits for your heart. Use this guide to understand this superfood as well as how often you should eat it.

What Are the Benefits of Omega-3 Fats?

Seafood is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which your body needs but can’t make itself. These healthy fats help your cells function properly, reduce inflammation, and lower blood pressure. Inflammation damages your blood vessels, which can result in strokes and heart disease. High blood pressure can cause coronary artery disease and even heart failure.

What Kind of Seafood Should I Eat?

Salmon, herring, and mackerel have the highest amount of omega-3 fatty acids. Mussels and oysters are also a healthy source of omega-3.

Other common seafoods like haddock, scallops, and shrimp have minimal omega-3 and should not be your sole source of the heart-healthy fat. Most types of seafood can be incorporated into your lunch with grilled vegetables, on a salad, or with quinoa.

How Much Should I Eat?

According to the American Heart Association, adults should eat two 3.5-ounce servings of fish every week. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding can eat up to 12 ounces each week, and children should have fish up to twice a week. This does not include fried fish, but it does include canned tuna fish.

Work toward your weekly seafood goal at The Oyster Bar in Saint Petersburg, FL. They specialize in freshly shucked and baked oysters, and they boast locally sourced ingredients for their meals. In addition to omega-3-rich oysters, their menu includes PEI mussels, tuna tartare, and shoreline salmon. Stop by for lunch or dinner, and leave with a full stomach and happy heart. View their menus online, or call (727) 897-9728 to make a reservation.