Welcome to episode 451 of The Whole View! This week, Stacy and Sarah address the health benefits, the question of sustainable seafood and Seaspiracy as a whole. 

 

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The Whole View, Episode 451: ConspiraSEA: Is Sustainable Seafood Impossible?
Welcome back to episode 451! (0:28)

Stacy and Sarah have received many questions on Netflix new documentary, Seaspiracy. 

Stacy took almost eight pages of notes, while Sarah has also prepared many sea-related puns for you.

First off, the name ConspiraSEA was right there, and she totally feels they missed the boat (ha!) on that one. 

Stacy also mentions they gathered thirteen pages between them to ensure you are provided with as much information as possible and not just Stacy and Sarah's opinions.

The message the show tries to deliver is the opposite of this show's top recommendations. 

Stacy could tell within minutes that the filmmakers had an agenda. She and Sarah plan to review the science-based facts from the claims made in the film. 

The goal is to help listeners navigate safe, sustainable seafood because despite what the film attempts to present, seaweed and plant-based options do not compare to the health benefits.

So Stacy and Sarah want to dive right in. (Get it?)   

 

Benefits of Seafood
It's important to emphasize what we'd be missing out on if the premise that sustainable fishing is impossible is true. (4: 01)

Eating more seafood can reduce cardiovascular disease and prevent obesity and diabetes.

High amounts of vitamins, minerals, carotenoids, fats, and protein all contribute to these benefits. (Intro to Nutrivore)

Fish is a great source of vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12 and E, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, copper, potassium and selenium. Oily, cold-water fish provide substantial amounts of vitamin A and vitamin D as well.

Fish with bones remaining (such as canned salmon and sardines) are the best dietary sources of calcium in the food supply. Marine fish are an excellent dietary source of iodine.

High Selenium Content
protect against some cancers, 

enhance bone health, 

maintain thyroid health, 

reduce the risk of infection,

assist in DNA production, and 

protect the body from free radical damage


Omega-3 Fats EPA and DHA
reduce inflammation, 

lower blood pressure, 

protect against some cancers (including breast), 

increase insulin sensitivity, and 

improve endothelial function

Improves gut microbiome composition


Salmon 
Or any fish with a similar salmon-pink or orange color also contains the antioxidant carotenoid astaxanthin.

helps reduce LDL oxidation

boosts HDL levels, and 

protects against skin damage.


 

Fish protein is the BEST!
Also supports a healthy, diverse gut microbiome (in addition to omega-3s) - better than any other protein source: beef, pork, chicken, soy, casein, and pea. (11:20)

Many fish benefits are mediated via protein, and fish protein is easy to digest. 

In a meta-analysis of five prospective cohort studies, lean whitefish's high consumption reduced the risk of stroke by 19% (which was even more than fatty fish intake, which reduced stroke risk by 12%). 

A study of Swedish women shows that three servings of lean fish per week reduced the risk of stroke by 33% compared to zero servings per week. 

In Norwegian men, weekly lean fish consumption (including whitefish) was associated with a lower risk of metabolic syndrome, lower triglyceride levels, and higher HDL cholesterol. 

Likewise, a randomized crossover trial found that simply adding 100 grams per day of whitefish (Namibia hake) to the diet significantly lowered waist circumference, diastolic blood pressure, and LDL levels! 

And another trial found that eating 150 grams of cod per week caused significantly greater weight loss in young overweight adults than a same-calorie diet without seafood.

 

Seaspiracy "Documentary"
Sarah poses the question: what if eating fish and shellfish is destroying the ocean