The health benefits of seafood are well-known, as it is often seen as a great alternative to other meat sources, such as beef, pork, or even chicken. Because of the many essential vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids, most seafood species boasts its status as a source of lean protein. While you can serve seafood, particularly cod and other whitefish, deep-fried-a la fish and chips – you can get the most out of its health perks by opting for heart healthy recipes that can make the most out of all the vitamins and minerals that seafood provides.

Red meat, while delicious and flavorful, causes many heart problems. Consumed occasionally or in moderation, it is not cause for concern; however, eaten frequently, beef can cause many issues with the heart and with cholesterol down the line. Thus, it is always better to preemptively work against future health problems associated with nutrition by eating much healthier now. Eating seafood, and in particular, fish, reduces heart issues rather than exacerbate them. Thus, by substituting your beef and pork intake with fish or shellfish-even just with a few meals a week-can largely help your heart in the future. Moreover, by preparing cod, salmon or even crab using heart healthy recipes, you can reap even more health benefits from such fresh and delicious seafood.

Simple, yet tasty preparation of salmon, cod, or other whitefish ensures that you get all the nutrients without consuming any unnecessary fats and calories. Grilling, baking, or even sautéing these fish can be a great and simple way to prepare them. While it serves wonderful as the main entrée served with sides of steamed vegetables, rice, potatoes, or whatever you prefer, you can also incorporate these seafood in other heart healthy recipes, such as in a delicious seafood salad, a clam or cod chowder, or even in a pasta. The cooking method is essential in maintaining a healthy diet, rich with seafood and low in red meat. Rather than frying or deep frying your fish, it is wise to stick with healthier methods of cooking fish, such as poaching or baking. With shellfish, simply serving shrimp, prawns, or crab with a variety of low-fat dipping sauces can be a great and delicious way to enjoy these fresh seafood choices.

Seafood is known for its health benefits for the heart, whereas beef, on the other hand, is known for the exact opposite. Thus, by substituting your beef intake with fish or shellfish consumption and preparing them with heart healthy recipes, you can ensure that you get the most nutrients from Alaska seafood, reducing the risks of heart issues in the future without sacrificing on the taste and flavors of your food.

The word seafood includes mollusks, crustaceans and fish. However, the most important type of seafood for your diet is fish. Did you know that some studies suggest that adding one serving of fish to your weekly diet can reduce your risk of suffering a heart attack by up to half? The nutrients in fish are not only healthy, but help to stave off a variety of diseases. One way to improve your eating habits is to add some Alaskan seafood recipes to your diet, given that Alaska provides a large part of America’s seafood.

Fish are full of Omega-3s, which increase brain functioning, lower cholesterol, slow down osteoporosis and alleviate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Fish also provide other vital bodily nutrients, such as iodine, selenium, zinc, Vitamin A and Vitamin D. If you are looking for the freshest fish, you want to head to your local seafood market. It’s perfectly fine to ask how fresh something is before you buy it. Remember, the less fishy it smells, the fresher it is. At the market you will have tons of options to choose from. Fortunately, no matter what you choose, there is an Alaskan seafood recipe for it.

Here are two easy, healthy recipes to whip up a seafood-based lunch in no time. The best part is: No cooking is necessary!

Alaskan Smoked Salmon Bagel Sandwich with Avocado

1 whole wheat bagel
2 tbsp. light mayonnaise
1 tsp. capers
1 cup mixed greens
¼ small red onion, sliced
25-50 g. Alaskan smoked salmon
½ small avocado

Slice the bagel and spread mayonnaise to both sides, adding capers (if desired). Then, layer on the greens, onion, smoked salmon and avocado. Salt and pepper to taste.

Mango Alaskan Crab Salad

Serving: 6

1 lb. Alaskan white crab meat (can be bought at market already cooked)
1 cup mango, in 1/4-inch chunks
1/2 cup cucumber, diced (seedless preferable)
2 tbsp. fresh chives, minced
1/2 cup frozen mango juice concentrate, thawed (mango juice blend is OK)
2 tbsp. olive oil
3 tbsp. white wine vinegar
juice of 2 limes

For the salad: Mix together the crab meat, mango, cucumber, and chives in a serving bowl. Then, cover and refrigerate until serving time.

For the dressing: Combine the mango concentrate, olive oil, white wine vinegar, and lime juice in a small bowl. Whisk them together. Then, cover and refrigerate until serving time.