Sometimes, we find ourselves craving for seafood. That’s not a bad thing, as seafood has numerous health benefits. Seafood is rich in minerals, especially iodine, which is rarely found in land foods. Seafood is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. So, here’s why craving for seafood is healthy!
A craving can be either mental or physical. Most cravings signify that our body requires a specific nutrient or mineral. Sometimes, during pregnancy, women crave for a variety of foods, including seafood. If you are not a pregnant woman, but still crave for seafood, here are some reasons why you may be craving for a particular type of seafood. A craving for fish does not necessarily mean that your body specifically needs fish. But, if the craving is for a particular type of fish, then it probably means that your body lacks the nutrients present in that type of fish. Here are some important nutrients present in seafood, which could be why your body craves for it.
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1. Omega 3
Seafood is one of the best dietary source of omega-3 oils. It helps in overall physical development among children and is rarely found in foods other than seafood. Omega-3 is associated with brain development, joint function, healthy skin and eyes, and better mental health. Omega-3 is also known to improve heart health.
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2. Vitamin B3
Vitamin B3, or niacin, is an essential vitamin that helps process fat in the body, lowers cholesterol levels, and regulates blood sugar levels. Silver Alaska native salmon, tuna, halibut, prawns, crabs, squid and octopus are some seafood rich in niacin. Fish are the richest sources of B3, with single servings often providing 25% or more of the needed daily amount.
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3. Zinc
Seafood contains high amounts of zinc, which is essential for the body. Common seafood high in zinc are Alaska king crab, blue crab, northern lobster, shrimp, mollusks, oyster, etc. However, some species of fish and shellfish are extremely high in iodine and may trigger acne breakout in some people.
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4. Vitamin K2
Seafood is a great source of vitamin K2. Fish eggs, or caviar, is a highly sought after seafood, which are a rich source. Vitamin K2 is concentrated in the liver, kidneys, heart and gonads of the fish. Fish such as tuna, mackerel, sardines, and caviar are considered as a good source of vitamin K2. But, people who are on medications to prevent blood clotting must be cautious and should not overindulge in foods rich in K2.
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5. Iron
Iron is an important nutrient and helps the red blood cells carry oxygen to cells and tissues. Mussels are rich in iron and are perfect for those with sub-optimal thyroid function. Iron deficient anemia is the most common form of anemia in the US. So, consuming seafood rich in iron such as octopus, caviar, Atlantic and Pacific cod, clams, carps, striped bass, grouper, haddock, halibut, etc. can help overcome iron deficiency. Interestingly, seaweed and raw kelp are also good sources of iron.
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6. Protein
People who exercise regularly or have a lot of muscle mass require plenty of protein to sustain their bodies. So, when the protein levels are not high enough, they develop a strong craving for seafood. More importantly, if the craving includes other foods like chicken or beef, then protein deficiency is the most probable cause.
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7. Salt And Sodium
Most seafood contain very low amounts of salt and sodium. When the craving involves oily or salty fish, such as sardines, it most likely means that the body requires more salt or sodium. However, cravings for salt and sodium can be easily supplemented with alternative foods. For example, eggs contain ample protein and pickles have large amounts of salt.
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8. Calcium
If you crave for seafood, especially fish cooked in green leaves, what you really crave for is calcium. Some people in West Africa wrap fish in banana leaves before cooking and some French chefs wrap fish in sorrel leaves. Wrapping the fish in green leaves causes the bones of the fish to dissolve, and it gives the fish a richer flavor. The calcium in the bones dissolves into the flesh of the fish, because of which we consume ample quantities of calcium required for the body.
By identifying the seafood that we crave for, we can tell which nutrients our body requires and supplement our diet accordingly. In short, cravings for seafood usually means that the body requires more nutrients. By simply including more nutrients in our diet, we can eliminate most seafood cravings.
