A pescatarian diet is a type of vegetarian diet that includes fish and other seafood, but excludes meat and poultry. Pescatarians are individuals who choose not to eat meat but do eat fish, eggs and dairy products. This type of diet is considered a semi-vegetarian diet and is often adopted for ethical, environmental, or health reasons. It provides many of the benefits of a vegetarian diet, including a reduced risk of heart disease, obesity, and certain cancers, while also allowing for the inclusion of nutritious seafood.
What are the benefits seafood?
Seafood is a nutritious and flavorful food that can provide many health benefits when included in a balanced diet. Here are some of the benefits of some common types of seafood:
- Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Tuna: A good source of protein and low in calories, making it a great option for those watching their weight.
- Shrimp: Rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, iron, and zinc.
- Oysters: A good source of iron and zinc, as well as containing high levels of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Clams: Rich in vitamin B12 and iron, making them important for maintaining a healthy immune system.
- Lobster: A good source of protein, with a low calorie count and high levels of vitamins and minerals.
- Crab: Rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, iron, and zinc.
It’s important to note that seafood can also contain mercury and other pollutants, so it’s important to limit the amount and type of seafood consumed, especially for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and young children. The Environmental Defense Fund provides a guide to help consumers choose seafood that is both healthy and sustainable.
Humanitarian Reasons
Some people choose to follow a pescatarian diet for humane reasons. They may believe that it is wrong to kill and eat animals for food, and choose to limit their consumption of animal products to fish and seafood instead. By not eating meat from mammals and birds, pescatarians are able to reduce their impact on animal welfare and reduce the number of land and water animals used for food. Additionally, some pescatarians believe that eating fish and other seafood is more environmentally sustainable than eating meat, as the impact of fishing and aquaculture on the environment can be less than that of raising livestock for meat.
It’s important to note that not all pescatarians choose the diet for humane reasons, and some may follow a pescatarian diet for other reasons, such as health or environmental considerations.
