Young eat 50% less fish than grandparents

YOUNG people are eating half the amount of fish that their grandparents’ generation consumed, according to research.
Inadequate cooking skills are thought to be behind the decline among 18-34-year-olds, with only a quarter of millennials saying they felt very confident cooking seafood at home.
The findings, from industry body Seafish, follow a recent report by the Lancet, claiming that poor diet causes one in five deaths worldwide. A lack of omega-3, present in seafood, was highlighted as one of the contributing factors.
Eating two portions of seafood a week, including one oily fish, provides enough omega-3 to help keep the heart, brain function and blood pressure healthy; lowers the risk of diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease; and helps maintain the condition of skin, hair and nails.
Marcus Coleman, CEO of Seafish, said: ‘With seafood containing many nutrients, including omega-3, that form a vital part of a healthy balanced lifestyle, this drastic change in seafood consumption among millennials is deeply concerning.
‘Recent studies have shown that omega-3 supplements do not provide the same health benefits as eating fish and shellfish, which are rich in macro and micro nutrients.
‘Coupled with the Lancet report, this is further evidence that it’s more important than ever for people of all ages to be consuming the recommended two portions of seafood per week.’
Last year, Seafish revealed that around two thirds (68 per cent) of the population were not eating the recommended government health guideline of two portions of fish a week.