Celebrating Innovation and Prevention: Why Seafood Matters for Heart Health
On September 16, we mark two powerful global observances—the United Nations’ International Day of Science, Technology and Innovation for the South (A/RES/78/259) and the International Day for Interventional Cardiology (A/RES/76/302). Both remind us of that evidence-based advances in science and nutrition can change lives, prevent disease, and improve health equity worldwide.
At the Seafood Consumers Association, we believe that informed choices about nutrition, anchored in the latest science, can deliver lifelong health benefits. Nowhere is this more evident than in the link between seafood and heart health, a connection endorsed by cardiologists, nutritionists, and health agencies around the globe.
Science, Technology & Heart Disease: Prevention Is the Best Medicine
Interventional cardiology has given millions a second chance through angioplasty, stents, and other life-saving technologies. But the real triumph, as the world’s leading heart experts remind us, is prevention—stopping cardiovascular disease before it starts.
Scientific research consistently shows that regular seafood consumption is one of the most effective dietary strategies to safeguard the heart. Multiple large-scale studies and clinical guidelines recommend eating fish at least twice a week to reduce the risk of heart attacks, stroke, and cardiac death. The unique combination of nutrients found in seafood, especially omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA)—confers a host of protective benefits:
- Reduces harmful triglycerides and increases good HDL cholesterol
- Decreases inflammation and helps prevent plaque buildup in arteries
- Supports healthy heart rhythms, reducing dangerous arrhythmia
- Improves vascular and endothelial function for better blood pressure and circulation
- Protects against sudden cardiac death and heart failure by supporting cell membrane health
Long-chain Omega-3s, almost exclusively found in seafood, play a direct role in calming inflammation and maintaining the elasticity of blood vessels. They also help regulate blood clotting, a crucial factor in both prevention and recovery from heart problems.
Seafood: The Evidence for a Heart-Healthy Diet
Science is clear:
- Eating just 1–2 servings of fatty fish (like salmon, mackerel, sardines, or trout) each week can slash the risk of fatal heart events by up to 50% compared to diets low in seafood.
- The Australian Heart Association, as well as similar foundations and leading research groups recommend substituting fish for higher-fat meats or processed foods for even greater benefit.
Not all seafood is created equally, but when chosen wisely—and as part of an overall balanced dietitian can transform heart health across populations, supporting both primary prevention and improving outcomes for those with known risks.
The Role of Science and Innovation in the South
For communities across the global South, equitable access to both nutritional knowledge and heart-healthy foods is a major challenge. Science, technology, and public health partnerships are working to change this, harnessing digital tools, local aquaculture, and school-based education to ensure all families—not just the privileged—can enjoy the benefits of seafood.
Initiatives supported by the SCA and partners are focused on:
- Using nutrition science to craft school and community programs targeting at-risk and low-income groups
- Bringing sustainable, affordable seafood to families through access innovation and transparent labelling
- Building digital campaigns and resources, so everyone has the facts needed to make informed choices
Prevention is Better Than Cure
As we celebrate the innovations that save lives in operating rooms, we must also champion those that save lives at the dinner table. The battle against heart disease is not just fought with stents and catheters, but with every meal and every bite.
By embracing seafood as part of a heart-healthy pattern, Australians and global consumers alike can take a powerful step toward prevention—reducing the burden of disease, prolonging lives, and supporting vibrant communities.
Let’s raise awareness, share the science, and enjoy the taste of prevention—because when it comes to heart health, what we do today shapes the future for ourselves and generations to come.
Learn more about seafood, nutrition, and healthy eating at www.seafoodconsumers.global
Sources:
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/omega-3/art-20045614
- https://www.heart.org/en/news/2018/05/25/eating-fish-twice-a-week-reduces-heart-stroke-risk
- https://www.cardiosmart.org/news/2018/6/omega-3-fatty-acids-in-seafood-help-prevent-heart-disease
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9695428/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6903778/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2161831323000273
- https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/fish
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/seafood-selections-that-help-your-heart-and-our-planet
- https://bmjmedicine.bmj.com/content/3/1/e000451
- https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/blog/deep-dive-into-fish-and-seafood