ACCORDING to new research carried out by Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), the Irish Sea Fisheries Board, four out of five Irish people choose fish as part of a healthy balanced diet. After chicken, fish has emerged as the second most popular household meal choice with close to 80% of consumers surveyed by BIM choosing fish as a regular meal-time option.
These latest research findings from BIM show the number of times people are eating fish increased from 59 times per year in 2003 to 68 times per year during 2005. Consumers’ acceptance that seafood is a vital part of a healthy balanced diet has emerged as a key driver for increased seafood consumption with BIM’s survey showing 52% of people who eat fish, claim to do so because seafood is “good for them”.
Almost half of all adults surveyed for BIM were also aware that it is the Omega-3 contained in oil-rich fish that delivers health benefits. 71% of those surveyed also understood that Omega-3 is associated with reducing the risk of heart disease now regarded as one of the leading causes of death in Ireland at a time when medical experts claim that people who eat fish could cut their risk of heart disease by up to 50%* by including fish as part of a healthy balanced diet.
In addition to showing high levels of awareness of Omega 3 health benefits, of those surveyed:
· 66% are aware that fish is a source of essential minerals such as Iodine and Zinc
· 58% are aware that Omega 3s are important for the health of expectant mothers and babies
· 57% are aware that Omega 3s help relieve the symptoms of arthritis.
Omega-3 fats cannot be made in the body and are only found in a few foods, with oil-rich fish being amongst the richest food source of Omega-3. Omega-3 fats help to lower triglycerides, a type of fat found in blood. High triglyceride levels can lead to increased risk of heart disease
However, the benefits of Omega-3 fats are not just limited to heart health. They are also essential for brain and nerve development in unborn babies, infants and young children and play a role in helping to protect brain functions, like memory, well into old age.
Oil-rich fish is also rich in vitamins A and D. Vitamin A is needed for healthy skin, while vitamin D is needed to help our bodies absorb the calcium from food.
Finally, when consumers were asked to rank the factors considered by them as being the most important when they eat fish the following are the results:
· 52% Can help reduce the risk of heart disease
· 48% A good source of Omega 3
· 47% Good brain food
· 41% Low in calories
· 33% Can improve the immune system
· 26% Good for skin quality
· 25% Good for muscle development
Health and nutrition experts currently recommend eating fish at least twice a week. One of those portions should be an oil-rich fish like salmon, mackerel or trout which are a rich source of Omega-3 fats.
www.fishupdate.com is published by Special Publications. Special Publications also publish FISHupdate magazine, Fish Farmer, the Fish Industry Yearbook, the Scottish Seafood Processors Federation Diary, the Fish Farmer Handbook and a range of wallplanners.
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