October 2026 - Health & Wellness Blog
Hi Seahawks!
Along with cooler temperatures, and all the flavors of fall that October brings us, we also use this month to celebrate Sustainable Seafood month. If you would like to learn more about sustainable seafood, how it positively impacts our environment, and how we incorporate it into our dining program, check out this great post from the UNCW Dining Sustainability team! If you want to get more insight into how, and why, seafood should be on your menu, then read on!
Why Choose Seafood?
Living just a few miles from the coast allows us access to some of the best fresh, local seafood, regardless of the season. With four different species of Tuna coming in from June until January, Shrimp from June through November; plump, briny oysters making their way to markets now through February, or your choice of Top Neck or Little Neck Clams available nearly year-round; the options are endless.
As part of an overall healthful diet pattern, seafood has so much to offer, with nutrient profiles almost as varied as the different types of seafood available. When most people talk about the benefits of adding seafood to their diet, the conversation goes almost immediately to Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DHA). Diets rich in these fatty acids have been linked with higher HDL cholesterol, lower triglyceride levels, and lower rates of inflammation. All of these markers together are associated with an overall lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The recommended daily allowance, or the minimum amount of Omega-3's recommended daily for general health is 1.1 grams for females, and 1.6 g for males. While amounts vary by species, a 3.5-ounce portion of fish can contain anywhere from 0.5-2.0 grams of Omega-3's.
Seafood is not just it’s omega-3's, and it’s also not just salmon. If we look at the nutrient profile of the seafood that is caught off our coast, it is just as powerful. A 100g, or roughly 3.5 oz portion of fresh tuna contains 25g of protein, 116% of our daily vitamin B3 needs, 87% of our vitamin B12 requirements, and 55% of our recommended B6. That same 3.5 oz portion of clams offers 33% of our vitamin B3, 116% of our selenium, and 16% of our daily iron requirements. Our local shrimp will not be outdone though. They are coming to the table packed with over 30% of our recommended vitamin D, nearly 20% of our vitamin B12, and phosphorus.
So along with promoting heart health, including seafood in our diets, adds a full nutrient profile that also supports our eye health, bone health, immune system, and cognitive function.
