Posted Sept 1, 2009
The majority of Britons are unaware a diet rich in seafood can dramatically slash the risk of suffering a heart attack, according to a survey by Seafish, the authority on seafood in the UK.
A poll of 2,012 people from across the UK found 53% of respondents did not know that a diet rich in seafood reduces the chances of suffering a heart attack.
Recent research by US academics found compelling evidence that eating oily fish could reduce heart attack deaths without the need for extra medication. It is estimated that each year 200,000 people in the UK die from heart disease and around 275,000 Britons suffer heart attacks.
The Seafish research was commissioned as part of a drive by the industry body to highlight the health benefits of seafood which includes a booklet, The Healthy Guide to Buying, Preparing, Cooking and Sourcing Seafood.
In addition, a series of new guides offering tips and advice, including recipes, on how to cook seafood, will target mums, mums-to-be, the over 50s and young people. The guides will be sent to all independent fishmongers across the UK.
Seafish has also launched a Facebook seafood2aweek page to encourage consumers to eat two portions of seafood a week as recommended by the Food Standards Agency. The social networking page is now being followed by almost 1,000 people.
Independent nutritionist Juliette Kellow said: “There are a number of studies that show omega-3 fats, found naturally in oil-rich fish such as mackerel, sardines, herrings, fresh tuna, salmon and trout, can reduce our chances of heart disease. According to the British Heart Foundation, these unique polyunsaturated fats help to prevent blood clots from forming, lower levels of a type of fat found in the blood called triglycerides and regulate heart rhythm.
“And being healthy needn’t cost the earth. Seafood is the best natural source of complex omega-3 fats and contains protein and a variety of vitamins and minerals, making it, great value for money.”
Karen Galloway, market insight manager at Seafish, said: “The results of the survey certainly do make for interesting reading. Seafood is in abundance in the UK and it is easy to prepare tasty dishes that will ensure people get the two portions of seafood a week which will help them stave off heart disease.
“The new Seafish guides offer tips and advice on how to cook seafood as well as providing simple recipes that will enable people to enjoy one of the healthiest food sources we have in the UK.”
The survey was conducted by researchers Opinium Research. It also found that:
–57% of those polled agreed eating seafood as part of a calorie controlled diet can help lose weight;
–60% of those surveyed agreed that, due to seafood’s high Omega-3 fatty acid content, can help aid concentration if you eat two or more portions a week;
–58% of women believe that during pregnancy they should eat two portions of fish a week, one of which should be oily fish.
–More than eight out of ten Britons – 83% – described seafood as healthy.
Notes to editors:
The research was undertaken by Opinium Research on behalf of Seafish. The survey of 2,012 adults across the UK was conducted between 24 and 28 July, 2009.
Seafish, the authority on seafood, was founded in 1981 by an act of parliament and supports the seafood industry for a sustainable, profitable future. Our services range from research and development, economic consulting, market research and training and accreditation through to account management and legislative advice for the seafood industry. www.seafish.org
Date: Aug 24, 2009