Happy National Pescatarian Month, Seafoodies!
We hope that many of you have been celebrating with us and have jumped into the “Go Pescatarian” challenge. We are excited to sponsor the first-ever National Pescatarian Month. For those of you who are new to the concept, we want to dive a little deeper into the pescatarian diet, its history and share some reasons why you might want to consider adopting it for at least a few days a week.
So, for this blog post we are switching from our tummies to our brains as we learn a little more about what it means to “Go Pescatarian.”
So, What Exactly is a Pescatarian Diet
When you hear someone is a pescatarian, you may wonder what that means. The word “pescatarian” stems from the Italian word for fish (pesce) and combines with the English word “vegetarian.” More and more Americans are choosing to eat a pescatarian diet, which is primarily a seafood- and plant-based diet (vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, seeds and legumes).
Benefits of a Pescatarian Diet
Experts say that “going pescatarian” offers many health benefits, such as helping to support heart health, reduce the risk of diabetes, lower chronic systemic inflammation, protect the brain and eyes in all life stages, plus much more. In one study, pesco-vegetarians showed a particularly low risk of developing colorectal cancer, even when compared to individuals consuming other types of vegetarian diets, although the mechanism and link is unclear. Another recent study found that a Pesco-Mediterranean-style diet rich in seafood and plant-based foods, along with an intermittent (8- to 12-hour) fast may help protect against cardiovascular disease and promote longevity.
There are so many health benefits of following a seafood- and plant-based eating pattern that it’s no wonder why we chose to dedicate an entire month towards raising awareness of pescatarianism. So, whether you try the pescatarian diet for a week, month or a year—or it’s a lifestyle you already embrace—there’s no better time than National Pescatarian Month to “Go Pescatarian!”
Pescatarian-Friendly Recipes to Try:
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