By: Jodie Shield, RD

Most of us regard seafood as grown-up food, but studies show that kids can benefit from eating fish, too.  Seafood provides an excellent source of high-quality, easily digestible  protein that will help your child grow and stave off infections.  Seafood is also low in calories, fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium, and it offers a great source of vitamins and minerals.  What’s more, most types of seafood contain omega-3 fatty acids they are vital for a baby’s brain development during pregnancy and the first two years of life.  In addition, omega-3 fatty acids may help lower blood cholesterol and lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.  And some studies are starting to suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may play a role in heading off Alzheimer’s disease and as well as mild depression.

Health professionals encourage everyone to eat fish at least once or twice a week.  However, young children and women who are thinking about having a baby, pregnant, or nursing should limit their fish intake to no more than 12 oz  a week.   Why? I’ll talk more about this in my next blog.  What are some of your reasons for eating fish?