Lobster : The Cadillac Of The Sea
30 Mar 2009
Why do I look forward so eagerly to that crate of lobster that arrives from Clearwater Seafoods at regular intervals? Because it’s my reward for eating bran cereal every morning. I’d much prefer ham and eggs or French toast loaded with maple syrup. Besides, lobsters provide great health benefits in addition to a delicious food experience.
Several years ago I had the good fortune to attend a cardiovascular conference in Norway and visit the Institute for Nutrition Research at the University of Oslo.
During the conference Professor Daan Krommhout, of the Institute of Public Health and the Environment in the Netherlands, reported the cardiovascular benefits of omega-3 fatty acids present in fatty fish, lobsters, scallops and many other species of seafood. In fact, fish and other seafood is the primary source of these fats.
Professor Krommhout reported that fishermen in Japan consume 250 grams of fish a day. Northern Inuit top the list at 400 grams of seafood every day. Statistics show that the mortality rate from coronary heart disease is low in both the Japanese and Inuit populations.
Professor Kromhout also detailed a study carried out in Wales, England. Two thousand patients with histories of previous heart attacks were divided into two groups. The group that consumed 4 times as much fish as the other group showed a significantly lower death rate.
Professor Christian A Devon, with the Department of Nutrition (School of Medicine, University of Oslo), presented further evidence of the role played by omega-3 fatty acids. He described how these fats are important for visual function, particularly for the health of the retina, which transmits images to the brain. These fats in particular support the development of the brain, eyes and nerves. And when mothers consume seafood during pregnancy or breast feeding, their infants and young children show improved visual function, cognitive development and other developmental outcomes.
There are several other benefits from consuming fish. Seafood provides B-vitamins and vitamin D. In fact, almost all seafood is an important source of B12 and fish is the most significant source of naturally occurring vitamin D in the Canadian diet. Many types of seafood also provide vitamins A and E.
And the list goes on with seafood also providing many minerals including zinc, magnesium, potassium, copper, selenium and iodine. What may surprise many is that lobster, clams and crab, for example are also a natural source of calcium. And most species of seafood, including lobster, are low in saturated fat and an excellent source of protein.
If you’re concerned about cholesterol, lobster is a healthy choice. Boiled or steamed Lobster contains only 72 milligrams (mg) per 100 grams compared to 75 for skinless chicken breast and poached eggs (2 large eggs).
Today, with millions also fighting the battle of the bulge, lobster is an excellent meal choice. Comparing 100 gram portions, lobster contains 98 calories compared to 147 calories in both skinless chicken breast and poached eggs. Plus it has 72 percent less fat than chicken breast and 94 percent less fat than poached eggs.
Unfortunately, some people worry so much about contamination in fish products that they avoid eating any seafood. This is a concern for health professionals who know that the health benefits of increasing our seafood consumption far outweigh any risk. Health authorities around the world are recommending that we eat at least two portions (150 grams) of fish each week.
Because we live in such a tension filled society, I also think it wise to reward yourself now and then for being good. Maybe you’ve finally given up smoking. Or made an effort to remove excess pounds. Or like me you’ve put up with eating bran every morning for breakfast. I can hardly wait until that crate of sea creatures arrives.
For more information about the health benefits of increasing seafood consumption, see the new "Seafood and Health website www.seafoodcanada.gc.ca/health. And remember to add seafood to your regular grocery list.
You might even decide to order yourself a regular treat from the sea like I did from www.clearwater.ca
