Taste and Health Benefits Have 85 Percent Of Americans “Hooked” On Seafood!

As National Seafood Month kicks off this October, initial findings from a consumer study show that more than 85 percent of Americans currently eat seafood. Only 20 percent of Americans, however, meet the Dietary Guidelines recommendations of two servings of fish or seafood each week. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) advises people to eat more fish to live “longer, healthier, and more active lives,” specifically mentioning the heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood. 

 “Americans are getting the message: seafood is a delicious and healthy source of lean protein that is an important part of a balanced diet,” said Doris Hicks, a University of Delaware seafood technology specialist and National Fisheries Institute (NFI) member. “While we found that consumers recognize the tremendous benefits of eating nutrient-rich fish, more education is needed to help people include at least two fish meals in the diet each week.” 

The “Consumer Attitudes on Seafood Consumption” survey found that while 45 percent of Americans eat seafood at least once each week, only half of these same people follow the advice from the USDA 2005 Dietary Guidelines and MyPyramid to eat at least two servings, or about eight ounces, weekly. This recommendation from the government is echoed by the American Heart Association and the American Dietetic Association.

NFI President John Connelly said, “At a time in our nation’s history when heart disease is the number one killer and obesity is reaching epidemic proportions, it is essential to educate the public about the benefits of eating fish, rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals and omega-3s. This is especially important for families; we need to encourage children to include seafood as part of their diet now. The good habits they adopt today can help make them healthy adults tomorrow.”

Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to healthy neurological development in children. During developmental stages of a pregnancy and in the first few years of a child’s growth, the positive effects of omega-3 fatty acids consumed before birth and as an infant contribute to the positive growth of a child’s brain. Recent studies suggest omega-3 fatty acids may reduce dry eye syndrome in women, treat mood disorders such as depression, reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and help reduce joint pain.

Lori Pivarnik PhD., coordinator for the food safety education program with the University of Rhode Island said, “These initial results showing consumer eating trends are encouraging. In 2004, Americans ate a record amount of nearly 17 pounds of fish per person, and we hope to see that upward trend continue. Fish is not just a low calorie, low fat meal choice; continued research reveals that the omega-3 fatty acids found in a variety of fish and seafood reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.”

The survey was conducted by the Delaware Sea Grant College Program and University of Rhode Island Nutrition and Food Sciences Department from July 27-August 7, 2006. The sample included 1,062 adults representative of the U.S. population based on age, gender, income and ethnicity. More detailed findings will be released later in the year.
Survey funding includes a grant from The Fisheries Scholarship Fund (FSF), a tax-exempt, philanthropic, educational organization supported entirely by voluntary contributions from individuals and companies in the fish and seafood community. FSF has awarded more than 270 scholarships totaling more than $3 million since 1964.

NFI is the leading trade association for the fish and seafood industry whose members represent a variety of businesses ranging from the water to the table.  For more information visit their website at www.AboutSeafood.com