This month, we celebrate Valentine’s Day, also known as Heart’s Day – a special time to enjoy moments with our loved ones, often over delicious meals. As Filipinos, we love to eat! Steak, beef, pork, and other red meats are often the stars of our celebrations. But have you ever thought about how these foods affect your heart?
Having a strong and healthy heart helps us live life to the fullest! That’s why it’s important to choose the right foods to keep our hearts in good shape. The Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD, 2023) suggests eating fish and seafood at least once a week instead of red meat, because seafood is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which help protect the heart from disease. By making small, healthy changes to our diet, we can keep our hearts strong and live healthier lives.
Now, a question remains — why is seafood such a good choice for heart health? Let's dive in!
Seafood is full of important nutrients that help our hearts stay healthy, like Protein, Vitamin D, Selenium, Omega-3, and Magnesium. Here are some of the best heart-healthy seafood choices:
Salmon
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Salmon is one of the best seafood choices for heart health. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help lower cholesterol and keep the heart strong. It also has Vitamin D, which helps control blood pressure. Famous dishes include Salmon Poke Bowl, Salmon Sashimi, and Salmon Teriyaki. |
Mackerel (Alumahan)
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Like salmon, Mackerel or Alumahan is high in omega-3 fatty acids. It also contains magnesium, a mineral that helps keep the heart beating steadily and lowers blood pressure. Popular dishes featuring Alumahan include Grilled Alumahan, Ginataang Alumahan, and Pinangat na Isda. |
Tuna
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Tuna is another great seafood option. It has potassium, which helps keep blood pressure at a healthy level. Popular tuna dishes include Tuna Kilawin, Tuna Steak with Lemon Butter Sauce, and Tuna Belly Sisig. |
White Clams
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White Clams do more than just provide omega-3s! They also have zinc, which helps the heart work properly. Plus, they contain Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which gives heart cells the energy they need. Popular dishes featuring clams include Clam Chowder and Halaan Soup. |
Shrimp
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Shrimps are a lean protein source, which means it’s good for muscles, including the heart. Unlike red meat, it has less saturated fat, making it a healthier choice. It also has omega-3s, which help protect the heart. Famous dishes include Sinigang na Hipon, Ginataang Hipon, and Garlic Butter Shrimp. |
Seafood is great for the heart, but freshness is important! Fishta Seafood provides high-quality seafood to help you get the best health benefits. While seafood is full of heart-healthy nutrients, eating in moderation is key. Choosing fresh, nutritious seafood can help keep your heart strong—not just on Valentine’s Day, but every day! Don’t wait and start shopping here!
#LoveInEveryBite #LoveYourHeartEatSeafood #HeartHealthy
