A healthy heart means a healthy life, but how can you ensure you are fueling your body with the necessary nutrients to make your heart healthy? February is American Heart Month, so what better time to zone in on heart health? Catfish is an excellent source of heart-healthy protein worth adding to your weekly meal line-up and can even be an easy addition to any diet. Whether it be gluten-free, pescatarian, keto or no diet at all, catfish is a great and versatile option that can flexibly fit into a variety of diets and any taste palate.
Why American Heart Month?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention use the month of February to recognize the importance of heart health. According to the CDC, American Heart Month promotes cardiovascular health and was established to educate about the consequences of cardiovascular disease and related conditions. It is important to be aware and monitor your blood pressure because high blood pressure can put you at risk for heart disease, strokes, heart failure, kidney failure and much more. Keeping these risk factors in mind, let’s focus on catfish as a heart-healthy protein. Incorporating catfish into more meals can help reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol and provide an abundance of vitamins, minerals and healthy fats, all necessary for those who are conscious about their heart health.
HEARTland Catfish has Heart Health Benefits
Reduce Blood Pressure
Incorporating catfish into your diet can guarantee your body is getting an excellent source of heart-healthy protein. Along with serving as a source of lean protein, catfish is also relatively low in calories and packed with healthy fats, vitamins and minerals that improve heart health and reduce blood pressure. In particular, catfish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids which have been proven to aid in the protection of the cardiovascular system from disease and hypertension according to a study by the European Review For Medical and Pharmacological Sciences.
Lower Cholesterol
Catfish doesn’t only serve as a healthy source of protein; it can also help lower cholesterol. According to the CDC, cholesterol uses two types of proteins known as high-density lipoproteins and low-density lipoproteins to travel through the bloodstream. High-density proteins are referred to as the “good” type of cholesterol and help absorb cholesterol to carry it to the liver, while low-density lipoproteins do the opposite and raise your risk for heart disease. Too many low-density lipoproteins can create build-up on the walls of blood vessels and lead to heart complications. Consuming catfish responsibly can reduce low-density lipoproteins in the bloodstream and support heart health. Be sure to check out our previous blog on cholesterol to learn more.
Abundance of Vitamins, Minerals and Healthy Fats
Catfish has a multitude of daily recommended vitamins and minerals that are needed to support your body such as vitamins B-12, omega-3 and omega-6. Vitamin B-12 is highly recommended because it supports the functionality of red blood cells and a strong immune system. Omega-3 and Omega-6 are healthy fatty acids that support heart health. Catfish is also low in mercury, making it a safe option for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Low-mercury seafood supplies a great source of protein, iron and zinc. You can learn more about mercury levels in catfish from our blog.
Challenge yourself this February to live with your heart in mind. A great place to start is in the kitchen with a heart-healthy protein like catfish. Check out our recipes page featuring a variety of options from appetizers to entrees for the perfect inspiration to fuel your body with the right nutrients. Use the hashtag #heartcatfish and share your recipes with us on social media this American Heart Month!
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