Skip to main content
Unsupported Browser Detected

Internet Explorer lacks support for the features of this website. For the best experience, please use a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.

Show Seafood Some Love and Get Heart Healthy!

February 11, 2026

U.S. seafood is sustainably produced, so it’s good for the planet. But did you know that it’s also good for your heart?

A graphic with pink and red background with a NOAA logo and decorative hearts in the bottom left corner. Text reads: "Get Heart-Healthy with Seafood" and there is a large heart graphic filled with a photo of a shrimp and vegetable bake.

February is American Heart Month, a time when everyone is encouraged to adopt behaviors that promote cardiovascular health. One easy way to help your heart? Eat more seafood!  Studies show that regular seafood consumption can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

The latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that everyone—from about 6 months and up—enjoy three or more servings of seafood per week. If you’re one of the many Americans who consume less seafood than recommended, we've got you covered! Read on for great ways to add some heart-healthy seafood to your diet. It’s both sustainable and delicious!

Swap Meat for Seafood

Shake things up the next time you’re craving an old favorite. Replacing processed or high-fat proteins with a lean protein like seafood is a great way to reduce your intake of saturated fat and sodium. Given the diversity of U.S. seafood, the possibilities are endless!

Easy Linguine with Clam Sauce

Creamy Wild Alaska Pollock Enchiladas

Image
Baking pan of pollock enchiladas next to plated serving with fork.
Creamy wild Alaska pollock enchiladas. Recipe and photo courtesy of Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute.

Think Outside the Sandwich

For many of us, when we think “lunch,” we think “sandwich.” While they’re quick and easy to eat (especially at your desk), they’re also one of the top sources of saturated fats and sodium. You certainly don’t need to give up tuna melts or pollock reubens, but why not ditch the bread and add some grains and greens?

Miso Sablefish (Black Cod) Powerbowl

Seared Scallops with Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

Image
Seared scallops with shaved Brussels sprout salad
Photo and recipe courtesy of the Seafood Nutrition Partnership

Start Them Young

Introducing your kids to healthy eating when they’re young can influence their eating in the future. Start promoting heart health early on by incorporating sustainable seafood options into your family’s menu at least twice a week. Instead of overly processed options that are often high in sodium, try kid-friendly recipes. And for even more ideas, check out Seafood Nutrition Partnership’s resources on turning your kids into Little Seafoodies

Easy oven-fried fish sticks

Lobster mac and cheese

Image
A dozen homemade fish sticks rest on a baking rack over a cooking sheet.
Homemade fish sticks just out of the oven. Photo courtesy of Seafood Nutrition Partnership.

Be a Little Shellfish

We know that when it comes to dinner prep, many of us have to consider what the kids will eat. But don’t forget to treat yourself! Missing your favorite oyster raw bar? Order a dozen from your local farmers and shuck at home! Craving some fancy French food? Try your hand at some homemade bouillabaisse! 

1891 Bouillabaisse

BBQ Bourbon Chipotle Butter Grilled Oysters

 

Want to learn more about seafood but don't know where to start? Our Sustainable Seafood Profiles arm you with the facts about what makes U.S. seafood sustainable—from the ocean or farm to your plate. Get up-to-date information on the status of harvested and farmed seafood, and learn more about sustainable fisheries management.

More recipes for the U.S. seafood you love