Omega 3 Benefits for Kids: Why Your Kids Should Eat More Fish

Omega 3 Benefits for Kids: Why Your Kids Should Eat More Fish

What if we told you that Sea to Table sold a product that would improve your child’s brain and heart health, takes only a few minutes to prepare and is packed with protein? You’d buy it, right? Fish has the potential to do all this and more, yet many families are strangers to this power food.

The Fat of the Sea

The importance of Omega 3s for kids cannot be understated. The primary benefit of increasing your child’s seafood intake is to get enough of the Omega 3 fatty acids necessary for a child's health and development (for more background on Omega-3s, check out our article here). Omega-3s are especially beneficial for kids' brain health. They may also aid sleep quality and reduce symptoms of ADHD and asthma.

A study published by the journal PLEFA (the official journal of the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids, seriously!), found compelling evidence that eating fish may even make children smarter. From this New York Times synopsis: "The studies variously found that seafood eaters had lower risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, better school grades, and higher I.Q. by as much as 9.5 points compared with their peers who ate no fish. The highest intakes — more than 8 to 12 ounces a week — were associated with the greatest benefits."

Skip the Supplements: Kids Can Get Omega-3 Benefits from Fish

Providing plenty of foods high in omega-3s, like fish, can help ensure that your child is meeting their daily needs… without resorting to supplements of fish oil for kids.

To give your children the maximum health and nutrition benefits of Omega 3’s, The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children eat 1-2 servings of fish and seafood per week. The recommended serving sizes vary by a child’s age:

  • One ounce for children 2-3
  • Two ounces for children 4-7
  • Three ounces for children 8-10
  • Four ounces for children 11+

 

Best Types of Fish for Your Kids

Kids (and some adults!) may be turned off by fish’s unfamiliar smell or they haven’t yet developed a taste for it. However, if parents have a positive attitude about cooking, serving and eating fish, their kids will most likely follow along. The best fish to provide these Omega 3 benefits for kids are “oily” or fatty fish such as Sea to Table Wild Alaska Salmon, Pacific Black Cod, or Atlantic Albacore Tuna. But even milder kid-favorites like Northwest Pacific Cod pack an omega 3 punch. Shop Sea to Table for these Omega 3 powerhouses today for healthier kids tomorrow.

Ways to Get Your Kids to Eat (better!) Fish More Often

One way to get kids eating brain-boosting seafood is getting them involved in the kitchen. When kids help to prepare the food, they are much more likely to try new things. Another way to successfully integrate seafood into a child’s diet is to offer it on a consistent basis. Make it familiar and a regular part of the dinner rotation. For kids who love chicken fingers (and practically all of them do) try this family-friendly Fish Finger recipe made with Sea to Table Northwest Pacific Cod.  And finally, make it fun. You could even make fish-shaped paper plates (pictured) with your child!

Fun with Fish Paper Plates, courtesy of Made Everyday

Creating a New Generation of Sustainable Fish Eaters

As you are encouraging your child to eat more fish, it’s also a good time to teach them about sustainability, and what that means to healthy fish populations and a healthy planet.  Discuss with them why you choose to feed your family sustainable seafood offerings from well-managed US fisheries. It’s the right thing for you, your children, and the planet.


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