Title : Consumption of Fish and Seafood for Health Promotion
Abstract:
Aquatic food is any animal or plant that lives in fresh or marine water and is used for human consumption, such as fish, crustaceans (e.g. shrimp and lobsters), molluscs (e.g. squid, oysters, and mussels), and algae, such as well as amphibians (e.g. frogs), reptiles (alligators and turtles) and echinoderms (sea urchins and sea cucumbers). Fish contains bioavailable and easily digestible protein, as well as high concentrations of vitamins and minerals such as zinc, selenium, phosphorus, calcium, and iron (FAO, 2005; TACO, 2011; TBCA, 2023). Fish protein contains less saturated fat than red meat and is rich in essential fatty acids (Calder, 2004; Ordóñez, 2005). A diet with frequent and varied inclusion of fish can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases (Bouzan, et al., 2005; Mozaffarian, Rim, 2006; FAO, 2010; Zheng et al. 2012; Xun et al., 2012; Amoh-Mensah et al., 2017; Alhassan et al., 2017; de Ross et al., 2017; Behera, 2019; Krittanawong et al., 2021; Giosuè et al., 2022) and helps with neurological development and mental issues (Silvers, Scott, 2002; Daviglus et al., 2022; Fotuhi et al. 2009; Farooqui, 2009; Carter et al., 2013; Kum, 2017; Je, 2022). Because of these benefits, several international organizations recommend weekly portions of fish consumption.
In this context, it is important to obtain answers regarding the factors associated with consumption, but also the factors that can lead to an increase in fish consumption in certain regions and the obstacles that can be faced to solve these difficulties. My research group analyzed the profile of fish consumption and consumers in the State of São Paulo, as well as determining the main species of fish consumed. The species indicated as the most consumed were tilapia, salmon, hake, tuna, sardines, dogfish, cod and shrimp. Conclusion:This survey indicates that in the State of São Paulo there is low consumption and low frequency of fish consumption. The most purchased form of preservation was frozen fish in the form of fillets, with price still being a limiting factor for consumption.
