Ultimate High Protein Seafood

Many athletes have a large part of their daily diets that consist of fish and seafood. The reason is obviously quite simple - protein. Exploit the following guide on fish types, benefits of Omega 3 & 6 fats, and mercury levels!

Many bodybuilder/physique athletes have a large part of their daily diets that consist of fish and seafood. The reason is obviously quite simple, the fish and seafood have high amounts of protein and little carbs.

They also have fats only available in the way of Omega 3's, which are good for our bodies. Many people have trouble eating seafood and with the threat of toxins in the fish, it scares a good number of athletes to the poultry isle.

Fish are more different than you might think. Some fish are higher in fats, often used by the fish to help absorb and maintain heat. Since fish are poikiotherms (cold blooded) some types can have large amounts of fat under their skin.

Cold water fish often have higher contents of this fat, which is has been proven by the literature to help with many diseases and specifically lowering cholesterol. As fitness enthusiasts, you should consider that eating the fat from fish is very different than eating the fat from a land animal.

Omega 3s & 6s Again

Once again you are hearing about omega 3's and also omega 6 fatty acids. What is so darn important about getting these in your diet? The answer is very simple. Without them you will die. Your body does not make them and so you must eat foods that contain them. Omega's play a crucial role in growth and development and brain function.

1. Yellow fin Tuna

Protein Power: 25 g per 3 oz. serving

This meaty swimmer delivers a boatload of easily digested, premium-quality protein. You'll also benefit from the healthy amount of B vitamins and the potent antioxidant selenium in its flesh.

Need to Know: When possible, look for troll- or pole-caught tuna, which are the most sustainable options.

2. Halibut

Protein Power: 23 g per 3 oz. serving

Among white flesh species, halibut reigns supreme when it comes to the protein you need to build muscle like a champ. Each 3-oz. serving also has a mere 2 g of fat, making halibut an even better catch of the day.

Need to Know: Pacific halibut is generally considered a more sustainable choice than Atlantic.

3. Octopus

Protein Power: 25 g per 3 oz. serving

An increasing number of fishmongers are now offering up this seafood choice. So if your goal is to pack on granite-dense muscle you'd be a sucker—pun intended—not to reel it in for its protein windfall.

Need to Know: Frozen octopus actually has an advantage over fresh because the subzero process works to help tenderize the meat.

4. Sockeye Salmon

Protein Power: 23 g per 3 oz. serving

Not only does wild salmon like sockeye taste better than its farmed cousin, it also supplies about 25 percent more protein. In addition, you'll reap the benefits of its plethora of fat-fighting long-chain omega-3 fatty acids.

Need to Know: Look for salmon with the skin still intact, as it provides added flavor during cooking.

5. Tilapia

Protein Power: 21 g per 3 oz. serving

Commonly available at most fish markets, tilapia provides an approachable, mild-tasting fish choice that will give you laudable amounts of protein to keep your muscles well-fed.

Need to Know: Look for American-farmed tilapia, which is a safer choice than tilapia imported from Asia.