andy woolmer (salacia marine) – the nutritional benefits of shellfish (2009)
TRANSCRIPT
The Nutritional Benefits of Shellfish
Dr Andrew Woolmer
Aim of the publications
Provide an evidence base to draw upon for use in:Developing media campaigns promoting shellfishDiscussions with statutory bodies and decision makersAs general reference material for SAGB members
Designed to be promotional material in their own right
Scope of the work
Identify human health/nutritional benefit associated with shellfish consumption
To summarise evidence from nutritional studies on shellfish consumption
Collate nutritional data for UK shellfish
Main Sources: peer reviewed papers, official reports, PubMed
The Publications
The Nutritional Benefits of Shellfish Report•Technical report•Contains nutritional reference tables• Macronutrients (fat, protein etc)• Micronutrients (vitamins &
minerals)•Presents evidence on key health issues including:• Cancer Risk• Cardiovascular Health• Joint Health and Mobility• Brain and Psychological Conditions
Also identifies ‘Emerging Research’
Shellfish The Natural Choice for a Healthy Diet
• Non-technical report aimed at the ‘informed layperson’•Presents key findings from the study in an accessible fashion•Key messages:• Importance of regular shellfish
consumption in a balanced diet• Shellfish as excellent sources of key
nutrients including Omega 3• The role of shellfish in the diet in
preventing risk of medical conditions• Addressing the ‘Cholesterol Myth’
The Role in a Balanced Diet•Key theme: shellfish as part of a healthy balanced diet
• Low in fat• High in protein• Rich in vitamin and minerals• Excellent sources of Omega 3s• Contain fewer calories weight for weight than other high
protein sources
Cardiovascular HealthShellfish in the diet can help protect from coronary heart disease
• Populations with high consumption of seafood have lower rates of heart disease (Japan, Mediterranean)
•Omega 3 fatty acids – key nutrients for cardioprotective effects• Lower blood pressure• Reduce blood clots related to atherosclerosis• Anti-arrhythmic effects
Role in reducing the risk of cancer•Populations with high seafood and shellfish consumption have lower risks of certain cancers including:• Prostate• Breast • Bowel
•Population effects confirmed by biochemical studies•Key nutrients are again Omega 3s (DHA+EPA) but also antioxidant vitamins and minerals (vitamin E, Selenium and Zinc)
Arthritis and Joint PainPopulations with seafood rich diets have lower incidence of osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis•Green Lipped mussel extract shown to have anti-inflammatory properties linked to specific Omega 3s• The Blue Mussel contains the same Omega 3s
•Other studies show that the duration and intensity of arthritic symptoms reduced by regular intake Omega 3 rich seafood
Lifelong Neurological HealthThe role of Omega 3s from shellfish in neurological health stretches from before our birth to our old age
•25-35% of the dry weight of a human brain is Omega 3 DHA•75% of all the brain cells we ever have are formed before birth
•Regular Omega 3 rich seafood consumption has been linked with neurological development in infants and elevated IQ later in childhood
Lifelong Neurological Health cont.
Diets with regular consumption of shellfish rich in Omega 3s and antioxidants can promote neurological health later in life
Protective effects have been demonstrated for•Depression (both population studies and biochemical research)•Schizophrenia•Dementia and Alzheimer's
This report was funded by