With obesity on the rise, there is now more interest than ever in foods that support weight loss. Many studies have shown that a high-protein, low fat diet is best for aiding weight loss as protein seems to control appetite by helping people to feel full. Being both low in fat and high in protein, seafood is ideal for this type of diet, particularly if the fish is grilled, baked or poached.
Research highlights:
- Results of research presented at a Seafood and Health conference in London in 2009 indicated that seafood satisfies the appetite more than other forms of protein, thereby encouraging weight loss.
- In the 1990s, researchers at the University of Sydney, Australia compared the ‘filling’ effects of different foods on appetite. Participants in the study rated their satiety (feelings of fullness) over two hours following a 240-calorie portion of different foodstuffs. Scientists then developed a list of the best foods for keeping people feeling fuller for longer, meaning that you are less likely to overeat, with seafood ranking highly.
- In other studies, participants consuming rich fish or Omega-3 diets felt significantly fuller and less hungry compared with those on the diets low in Omega-3. They also showed that eating seafood regularly might improve several metabolic and clinical alterations observed in obesity.
