Nutritional Differences in Gourmet Seafood: Lobster, Salmon, Shrimp & More | Kolikof
Gourmet seafood is not only a delicious addition to any meal, there are also significant nutritional benefits to the treasures from the sea. However, not all seafood is created equal. Whether you enjoy a quality lobster or some jumbo prawns, there are nutritional differences in these items.
From those seeking to add helpful seafood to their diet to individuals who simply want to understand what’s in their meal, it’s beneficial to learn more about the nutritional differences in gourmet seafood. Keep reading to learn more about the most significant differences and other information.
Significant Nutritional Differences
Seafood provides some of the most nutritionally dense options on the market. However, you’ll get different combinations whether you purchase fish, shellfish, and beyond. Let’s dive into some of the most apparent nutritional contrasts amongst products.
Fat Content
Fatty Fish
The fat content is, of course, higher in fatty fish. Fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel are the highest in a specific type of fat: omega-3 fatty acids. These are helpful in the human body, especially with heart health and the brain.
Lean Fish
Lean fish don’t contain as many healthy fatty acids as fatty fish. Tilapia and Haddock, for example, are leaner white fish with fatty acids, but far less than the others mentioned.
Shellfish
Although it’s much less than in fatty fish, shellfish also contain healthy fats. Most of the healthy fats included are unsaturated fats.
Vitamins and Minerals
General Seafood
You will find significant, helpful vitamins and minerals in most iterations of seafood. Calcium, iodine, and other minerals are found in abundance across the board in seafood selections.
Fish
Vitamin D is one of the most abundant vitamins found in many varieties of fish. Vitamin D is helpful for bone health and the function of the immune system. One of the fish with ample Vitamin D is salmon.
Shellfish
Shellfish also hold ample vitamins and minerals. If you invest in oysters, for example, you will get a solid serving of zinc for immune function.
Protein
Shellfish
Many shellfish contain ample protein. Specifically, clams and mussels have the most protein when compared to all shellfish on the market. These are lean, effective sources of protein for the body.
General Seafood
Almost all seafood contains a substantial amount of protein. It’s one of the best sources of high-quality protein. Those who regularly ingest seafood protein will get help in building and repairing tissue in the body.
Cholesterol
Fish
Many types of fish are low in cholesterol. For example, tuna and cod have some of the lowest cholesterol levels of all fish selections.
Lobster
Lobster still has cholesterol, but it’s lower than other gourmet competing selections like shrimp and squid. Enjoying 3.5 ounces of lobster will bring 71 mg of cholesterol to the body.
Shrimp
Shrimp is one of the seafood options with high cholesterol. If you enjoy around 3.5 ounces of gourmet shrimp for dinner, you will get close to 200 mg of cholesterol.
Scallops
Finally, we have scallops. Scallops possess some of the lowest forms of cholesterol in the gourmet seafood lineup. They are also low in saturated fat, which makes them one of the healthiest and lightest seafood options.
Calories
Lean Fish
Lean fish provides some of the lowest calorie options of all gourmet seafood. Fish like Cod can have as few as 90 calories for a three-ounce serving.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish is slightly higher in the calorie options thanks to the fat content. A three-ounce piece of salmon, for example, will have around 130 calories.
Shellfish
Shellfish are typically pretty low in calories. A single oyster, for example, only has around eight calories per oyster.
Which Seafood is the Most Nutritious?
Some desire a maximum impact with gourmet seafood. If you only want the best for your health, several options stand out.
Here are some of the most nutritious seafood selections available:
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Fatty Fish: These fish, such as salmon, are high in omega-3 fatty acids. These are helpful for the brain and heart.
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Small Fish: Small fish, such as anchovies and sardines, are an incredible source of protein. They also have omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, zinc, and more.
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Shellfish: Oysters, clams, and more provide nutritional benefits like vitamin B12, iron, and more.
Most things from these categories will serve your health well. Eating small fish and shellfish also has a beneficial impact on the environment. They require fewer resources to harvest.
Is Steak or Shrimp Healthier?
Generally, shrimp is the winner when looking at overall health. It is lower in calories and saturated fat. However, both are excellent sources of protein and provide significant vitamins and minerals for the individual enjoying them. It’s ideal to incorporate a balance throughout your monthly eating pattern.
Is a Healthy Diet Higher in Seafood?
A healthy diet should have a variety of items in every meal. It should include seafood, but it shouldn’t just contain seafood as the only source of nutrients.
It’s recommended that individuals have at least two servings of fish a week. This recommendation comes from the natural source of protein, fatty acids, and other vitamins and minerals naturally built into seafood.
Most well-known is the Mediterranean diet, which is popular in many of the countries with the longest average lifespan. These individuals typically include a diet of mostly vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans, whole grains, and olive oils. It also incorporates some fish, dairy, and small amounts of red meat.
Where Can You Find Quality Seafood?
Seafood is available almost anywhere, but gourmet seafood is another story. It’s almost impossible to find some of the best seafood at your local grocery store or through sketchy online formats. If you want to have salmon or crab from the best locations, where can you find them?
If you’re looking for gourmet seafood from high-quality locations, consider making your investment from Kolikof Caviar & Gourmet. Everything will arrive chilled and fresh at your front door, ready to cook and enjoy for your next romantic dinner or gathering. The products only come from the best sources for maximum nutritional intake.