New Guidelines Urge a Shift in Healthy Eating Patterns including Choosing Seafood, in Place of Other Protein Foods, for Two Meals a Week
PITTSBURGH, Jan. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — StarKist Co., a food company that is focused on healthy, shelf-stable seafood products in the United States is proud to support the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015 – 2020, which reinforces the 2010 recommendations that all Americans should consume more seafood. The guidelines recommend a shift in healthy eating patterns towards choosing seafood in place of other protein foods for two meals (or 8 ounces) per week. This is because the “average seafood intake is below recommendations for all age-sex groups.”
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Americans Urged to Swap Two Meals per Week to Seafood
The 2015 – 2020 Guidelines state that Americans across the board are not consuming the recommended amount of seafood, and that individuals should increase the variety of proteins consumed by shifting protein food choices to seafood in two weekly meals. This will contribute to a nutrient-dense diet, as well as allow Americans to reap the multiple health benefits that come from a diet rich in seafood.
“The health benefits of eating a diet rich in seafood are unequivocal, and Americans, regardless of age or gender, are not hitting the recommended intake of seafood,” states StarKist’s Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Laura Ali. “People who consume a seafood-rich diet have lower rates of heart disease and high blood pressure, reduced risk of obesity and there is growing evidence of the positive effect of DHA Omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood on cognitive development and maintenance.”
The Health Benefits of Eating Seafood
Eating 8 ounces of seafood per week contributes vital energy, lean protein, selenium, vitamin D, and vitamin B-12. Furthermore, seafood is a natural source of Omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, which have been linked to positive results in cardiovascular function, fetal development and cognitive development. The new guidelines reinforce the need for Americans to improve their overall eating patterns. Eating the recommended amount of seafood is one easy step Americans can take to follow a healthy diet, maintain their weight and in turn reduce their risk of chronic disease. Furthermore, the 2015 – 2020 Guidelines note that moderate evidence reveals a reduced risk of obesity associated with the healthy eating pattern of swapping seafood for two protein choices per week.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are also advised to consume a minimum of 8 ounces and up to 12 ounces of seafood weekly. Studies have shown that fish contains important nutrients and helps support brain and eye development in fetuses, infants who are breastfed, and young children.
StarKist Offers Easy, Healthy Seafood Options
The updated Dietary Guidelines make it clear that Americans are not consuming an adequate amount of seafood. StarKist Tuna and Salmon in Flavor Fresh Pouches provide a fresh, convenient way to reap the health benefits of fish.
“StarKist is a socially responsible company that provides healthy food for more people. Our brand’s innovative pouched tuna and salmon products are a convenient way for Americans to achieve the recommended serving of seafood and protein variety, according to the 2015 Dietary Guidelines,” says President and CEO, Andrew Choe. “With our easy to prepare pouches and delicious, balanced recipes, incorporating seafood into a healthy lifestyle has never been easier.”
StarKist products are a nutrient-dense lean protein choice, which the Dietary Guidelines recommend Americans consider when making healthy meal choices. Best of all, StarKist Tuna and Salmon in Flavor Fresh Pouches require no preparation – just tear open and enjoy on top of a fresh salad for lunch or on crackers for a quick snack. Here is a great recipe to get you started:
Lemon Dill Salmon Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
1 pouch, 2.6 oz. StarKist® Salmon Creations®, Lemon Dill
2 cups mixed baby greens
¼ cup garbanzo beans
2 small tomatoes, quartered
¼ cup baby bella mushroom slices
1 tbsp. crumbled feta cheese
4 artichoke quarters
2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
Directions:
- Place lettuce on medium plate. Distribute beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, cheese and artichokes around and toss.
- Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Top with salmon.
For more delicious recipes, visit: StarKist.com/recipes
About StarKist
StarKist Co. is a food company that is focused on healthy, shelf-stable seafood products in the United States. An industry innovator, StarKist was the first brand to introduce StarKist single-serve pouch products, which include Tuna Creations®, Salmon Creations®, Kid’s Creations® and Gourmet Selects®. As America’s favorite tuna, StarKist represents a tradition of quality, consumer trust and a commitment to sustainability. StarKist’s charismatic brand icon, Charlie® the Tuna, swam into the hearts of tuna fans in 1961 and is still a fan favorite today. StarKist Co. is a subsidiary of the Dongwon Group.
Media Contact:
Michelle Faist
StarKist Co.
412-323-7457
Michelle.Faist@StarKist.com
