The Olympics are here! For the next several days, you won’t be able to turn on a TV or scroll through social media without seeing highlights of the world’s best athletes competing to leave their mark in their sport.
In addition to the extensive training, time, and money that goes into make an Olympian a truly elite athlete, an athlete’s diet can play a big role in their success. Chefs at the Olympic Village with prepare 40,000 meals every day! And we know the menu will include at least a few seafood options.
Seafood is a top protein choice for athletes
The International Society of Sports Nutrition lists seafood as one of the best sources for high-quality protein for athletes—and with good reason.
Seafood is good for the heart. Seafood is filled with omega-3s which are great for circulation and heart rate. Studies have shown that cyclists who consume fish oil have a more efficient heart rate and utilization of oxygen!
Seafood helps muscles recover. Other studies have shown that just 2+ grams daily of EPA and DHA (components of omega-3s) reduce exercise-induced muscle soreness and help increase recovery. Additionally, Vitamin B12, which is found in high quantities in seafood, has been shown to reduce fatigue and boost muscle endurance.
Seafood builds muscle. According to nutrition scientists, fish protein has a great mix of the amino acids the body needs to build muscle and to create hormones needed to direct digestion and the immune system—which is vital for athletes on an intensive training schedule where there can be limited time between eating, activity, and rest. As a bonus, the Vitamin D found in seafood helps protect against injury.
Seafood is good for the brain. Another interesting study found that female soccer players who consume more DHA are found to have better reaction time and decision-making!
Eating like an Olympian
While most of us won’t make it to the Olympic Village, you don’t have to be an elite athlete to experience the benefits of seafood.
Seafood is recommended for everyone, regardless of activity level. In fact, the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that individuals of all ages consume at least 8 ounces of seafood per week!
If this means you’ll be adding seafood to your diet, just be sure to look for the MSC blue fish label on your seafood. That way, you’ll be sure that your increased consumption of seafood won’t have an increased impact on the planet.
Read more
Looking for more information on seafood and health?
