The Healthy Benefits of Seafood Broth

 

Seafood Broth

Seafood broth is known for its rich, delicious flavor but did you know it is also extremely nutritious and healthy? Seafood broth made from bones, shells, and other scraps left over from preparing seafood can provide many important nutrients that are beneficial for our health.

Vitamins and Minerals Galore
Seafood broth is packed with essential vitamins and minerals. The long simmering process helps extract these nutrients from the seafood ingredients into the broth. A cup of homemade seafood broth provides over 10% of the Daily Value for selenium, vitamin B3, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids. It is also a good source of iodine, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. All of these nutrients play important roles in maintaining overall health and wellness.

The selenium in Seafood Broth acts as an antioxidant, helping protect cells from damage. Vitamin B3 (niacin) promotes healthy skin and digestion while vitamin B12 is crucial for energy production and keeps red blood cells and nerves functioning properly. The omega-3s support heart and brain health. Iodine is needed to make thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism. Phosphorus and magnesium aid in bone health as well.

Boosts Immunity
The high vitamin and mineral content of seafood broth makes it an immunity-boosting powerhouse. Zinc, iron, and vitamin C all contribute to a well-functioning immune system that can better defend the body against illnesses. In particular, selenium has been shown to enhance immune cell activity and reduce inflammatory responses. Regularly consuming seafood broth as part of a healthy diet may help ward off colds and flu during the winter months.

Promotes Gut Health
The gelatin and collagen extracted from shells and bones into the broth promote gut health. Gelatin is a protein that nourishes and soothes the digestive tract while also supporting joint health. Collagen has important benefits for gut lining integrity and works to relieve conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. Probiotics produced during the long simmer also foster a healthy balance of gut bacteria.

Pain and Inflammation Relief
In addition to easing digestive issues, gelatin and collagen in seafood broth are well known for their anti-inflammatory properties which can reduce pain throughout the body. Conditions impacted include arthritis, gout, fibromyalgia, and muscle soreness. Omega-3 fatty acids present further boost the anti-inflammatory response. Together these nutrients work to dampen inflammation at its source for relief.

A Heart-Healthy Choice
The high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, like DHA and EPA, in seafood broth benefit cardiovascular health in many ways. Omega-3s help lower triglyceride and reduce bad LDL cholesterol levels, decreasing the risk of heart attacks and stroke. They also serve to regulate blood pressure and prevent irregular heart rhythms. The antioxidants in seafood broth work to prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol that leads to plaque buildup in arteries. All together, enjoying seafood broth regularly is a heart-healthy choice.

Easy to Make at Home
The good news is that making your own pot of seafood broth at home is simple and inexpensive. All it takes is shells, fins and tails left over from shrimp, crab, fish or lobster boiled or baked dinners. You simmer these scraps gently in water with some aromatic vegetables for at least 4 hours to extract maximum flavor and nutrients. Homemade broth freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy the benefits all winter long. Store-bought varieties rarely compare to the nutrition from a homemade batch.

Using Seafood Broth in Dishes
Once you have batches of seafood broth prepared and stored, there are countless ways to incorporate it into soups, stews, risottos and more. A spoonful adds big flavor without extra calories or sodium compared to higher fat chicken or beef stocks. Some creative ideas include lobster bisque, shrimp étouffée, cod chowder, mussel puttanesca, halibut bouillabaisse and scallop risotto. Seafood broth is also delicious simply warmed and sipped on its own for a sip of the sea that nourishes both body and soul.

Whether you make seafood broth at home or purchase high quality canned varieties, incorporating this nourishing stock regularly into your diet provides abundant vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fats that promote whole body wellness. Its anti-inflammatory properties help relieve pain while gut-soothing gelatin and collagen benefits digestion. Heart-healthy omega-3s in seafood broth also lower disease risk factors. Easy to freeze and use in soups or risottos, seafood broth adds a wealth of flavorsome nutrition to any meal. Make the most of shells and bones from your favorite seafood by simmering a pot of this healthy comfort food at home.

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