Many bodybuilder/physique athletes have a large part of their daily diets that consist of fishand seafood. The reason is obviously quite simple, the fish and seafood have high amounts of protein and little carbs.
They also have fats only available in the way of Omega 3's, which are good for our bodies. Many people have trouble eating seafood and with the threat of toxins in the fish, it scares a good number of athletes to the poultry isle.
Fish are more different from you might think. Some fish are higher in fats, often used by the fish to help absorb and maintain heat. Since fish are poikiotherms (cold-blooded) some types can have large amounts of fat under their skin.
Cold water fish often have higher contents of this fat, which has been proven by the literature to help with many diseases and specifically lowering cholesterol. As fitness enthusiasts, you should consider that eating the fat from fish is very different from eating the fat from a land animal.
Omega 3s & 6s Again
Once again you are hearing about omega 3's and also omega 6 fatty acids. What is so darn important about getting these in your diet? The answer is very simple. Without them, you will die. Your body does not make them and so you must eat foods that contain them. Omega's play a crucial role in growth and development and brain function.
There are three types of omega 3 fatty acids:
1. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
2. Eiosapentaenoi acid (EPA)
3. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
Your body converts all eaten omega 3s to the EPA and DHA forms. There is a ton of research to show how fatty acids reduce inflammation, prevent heart disease, and even arthritis. HEART DISEASE IS THE NUMBER ONE THING LIKELY TO KILL YOU.
The balance of omega 3s and 6s is important to obtain maximal health. Red meat contains mostly omega 6 and the American diet is dangerously high in red meats. In contrast the Mediterranean diet is much higher in fish, so their rate of heart disease is much lower than the average American diets. Omega 3s are also found in whole grains, fresh fruits and raw vegetables, olive oil and even some moderate wine consumption.
Omega 3 are scientifically proven to reduce the risk of:
· High blood pressure
· Heart disease
· Stroke
· Diabetes
· High cholesterol
· Osteoporosis
· Depression
· bipolar depression
· Schizophrenia
· Attention deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
· Anorexia nervosa
· Burns
· Skin disorders
· Inflammatory bowel disorders
· Asthma
· Macular Degeneration
· Menstrual pain
· And several forms of cancer
Source: bodybuilding.com - By: Dr. David Ryan .
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