KICK
OFF HEART MONTH WITH A HEALTHY HELPING OF FISH
The National Fisheries Institute (NFI) and its members asked
Americans today to kick off February as National Heart Month
by paying special attention to the most important muscle in
their bodies through exercise and a healthy diet that includes
fish.
"The heart is the most important muscle we have and all
of us should take February to reevaluate what we're eating and
how it affects our heart," said John Connelly, president
of NFI. "By merely changing what we eat and including fish
in our diets, we can prevent or control the risk factors and
lower the chances of developing heart disease."
Connelly also said parents should use February to start serving
more fish on the family dinner table. He added
"Moms and dads influence the lives of their children so
much and by serving more fish, they can make sure their children
grow up without developing heart disease."
Connelly noted the recently released 2005 Federal Dietary Guidelines
prominently featured heart-healthy diets that include a healthy
serving of fish. The guidelines specifically mentioned the tremendous
health benefits of fish and shellfish such as the Omega-3 fatty
acids that can "reduce the risk of mortality from cardiovascular
disease." It also recommends "consuming approximately
two servings of fish per week."
The report said that by following the recommendations and guidelines
of keeping seafood in their diets, Americans will live "longer,
healthier, and more active lives."
NFI is the leading trade association for the fish and seafood
industry whose members represent a variety of businesses ranging
from the sea to the table. For more information visit our website
at www.nfi.