Last Updated on July 23, 2020 by Michael Joseph
Seafood represents a diverse range of food that includes fish, shellfish, and sea vegetables.
There are all kinds of different seafood, and they are some of the most nutrient-dense foods we can eat.
Additionally, they are an important source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for our overall health.
This article examines numerous healthy types of seafood alongside their nutrition profile, omega-3 content, and the top five nutrients they contain.
If you are looking for a healthier diet, then including some of these foods is a great way to start.
1) Salmon (Wild)
Salmon is one of the most popular fish in the world, which is quite easy to understand given how delicious it tastes.
Also, salmon comes in all different shapes and sizes, and there are numerous popular species of salmon (see here for a full guide to the differences).
Salmon is also a versatile food choice, and we can eat it fresh, as raw fish (sashimi) or in canned form for convenience.
Nutritionally, salmon contains an impressive range of beneficial nutrients as well as some interesting bioactive compounds such as astaxanthin.
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid compound, and randomized controlled trials suggest that it may potentially help to improve human skin’s UV resistance (1).
Additionally, salmon is extremely rich in essential omega-3 fatty acids.
Here is salmon’s nutrition profile and key nutrients per 100 g (2);
- Calories: 216 kcal
- Carbohydrate: 0 g
- Fat: 11 g
- Omega-3: 1424 mg
- Omega-6: 113 mg
- Protein: 27 g
Key Nutrients
- Vitamin B12: 97% DV
- Selenium: 54% DV
- Niacin: 33% DV
- Phosphorus: 28% DV
- Thiamin: 14% DV
See this full overview of salmon’s benefits for a complete guide.
2) Oysters
With a slimy appearance, people seem to either love or hate this type of mollusk shellfish.
However, oysters are one of the healthiest seafood options.
Alongside organ meats like liver, oysters are one of the most nutrient-dense foods out there.
We can either eat them raw or cooked, and they provide a substantial amount of Zinc, copper, and B vitamins.
Additionally, oysters are a rare food source of vitamin D.
Here is a look at their nutritional value per 100 g (3):
- Calories: 68 kcal
- Carbohydrate: 3.9 g
- Fat: 2.5 g
- Omega-3: 672 mg
- Omega-6: 58 mg
- Protein: 7 g
Key Nutrients
- Zinc: 605% DV
- Vitamin B12: 324% DV
- Copper: 223% DV
- Selenium: 91% DV
- Vitamin D: 80% DV
3) Trout
Trout is a cousin of salmon, and the two fish have a similar appearance.
The taste is also somewhat similar, but trout has a milder flavor than salmon, which could be a positive or a negative depending on personal preference.
Both of these fish share some positive traits too; specifically, they are high in omega-3, low in mercury, and offer an excellent source of vitamins and minerals.
For a tasty meal, try cooking trout in a lemon butter sauce.
You can find some recipes in this full guide to rainbow trout.
Per 100 g, trout offers (4):
- Calories: 148 kcal
- Carbohydrate: 0 g
- Fat: 6.6 g
- Omega-3: 1068 mg
- Omega-6: 175 mg
- Protein: 20.8 g
Key Nutrients
- Vitamin B12: 130% DV
- Manganese: 43% DV
- Phosphorus: 24% DV
- Niacin: 23% DV
- Thiamin: 23% DV
4) Abalone
Similar to oysters, abalone is another shellfish that offers a significant amount of beneficial nutrients.
Although abalone is relatively low in fat, it still manages to provide some omega-3 fatty acids, and it is rich in protein too.
Furthermore, abalone is an excellent source of iodine, an essential trace element that many people are not consuming in sufficient amounts. Approximately 2 billion people around the world have an iodine deficiency (5, 6).
Abalone has a soft and chewy texture and a creamy, salty taste.
Nutritionally, abalone offers the following nutrients per 100 g (7);
- Calories: 105 kcal
- Carbohydrate: 6 g
- Fat: 0.8 g
- Omega-3: 90 mg
- Omega-6: 7 mg
- Protein: 17.1 g
Key Nutrients
- Selenium: 64% DV
- Vitamin B5: 30% DV
- Vitamin K: 29% DV
- Vitamin E: 20% DV
- Phosphorus: 19% DV
5) Octopus
Although octopus is not so “normal” in traditional Western cuisine, it plays a significant part in various cuisines around the world.
For instance, the octopus is a valued part of the diet in countries such as Japan, Korea, Singapore, and several Mediterranean countries.
On the negative side, octopus is one of those foods that people tend to either love or hate. Much of this depends on how the octopus cooks since overcooking can quickly make it too chewy.
To get around this, it is better to cook octopus either slowly on a low-heat or quickly but for a minimal amount of time.
Octopus is one of the healthiest types of seafood, and it has an impressive nutrient profile per 100 g (8):
- Calories: 82 kcal
- Carbohydrate: 2.2 g
- Fat: 1.0 g
- Omega-3: 163 mg
- Omega-6: 9 mg
- Protein: 14.9 g
Key Nutrients
- Vitamin B12: 333% DV
- Selenium: 64% DV
- Iron: 29% DV
- Copper: 22% DV
- Phosphorus: 19% DV
6) Mackerel
Mackerel is another oily fish that provides a great source of omega-3.
However, it is worth noting that there are several different species of mackerel, and not all of them are equally healthy.
Atlantic mackerel is the best bet because it contains very little mercury.
However, it is better to avoid King Mackerel and Spanish Mackerel since these fish can contain high amounts of this heavy metal (9).
One of the best things about mackerel is just how affordable it is. While salmon is delicious and very healthy, it can be a struggle for some families to afford.
There is no such problem with mackerel as it tends to sell for about half the price (or less).
In addition to omega-3, mackerel provides a decent range of vitamins and minerals too.
Here is the profile per 100 grams (10):
- Calories: 205 kcal
- Carbohydrate: 0 g
- Fat: 13.9 g
- Omega-3: 2670 mg
- Omega-6: 219 mg
- Protein: 18.6 g
Key Nutrients
- Vitamin B12: 145% DV
- Vitamin D: 90% DV
- Selenium: 63% DV
- Niacin: 45% DV
- Phosphorus: 22% DV
For a full guide to mackerel, see here.
7) Herring
Herring is a small and nutritious oily fish that mainly lives in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. However, there are some freshwater varieties too.
Regarding taste, herring are quite strong and flavorful, and they are a little bit salty with a soft texture.
Herring also has an interesting history as a traditional breakfast, particularly in the UK, but also in some areas in North America. This breakfast involves eating herring in their “kippered” state.
Kippers are whole herring fish which have been salted and smoked.
Cooking kippers with a bit of butter is delicious, and they make a great breakfast.
Like other oily fish, herring provides a considerable number of nutrients, and it is one of the best sources of vitamin D (11):
- Calories: 158 kcal
- Carbohydrate: 0 g
- Fat: 9.0 g
- Omega-3: 1729 mg
- Omega-6: 130 mg
- Protein: 18.0 g
Key Nutrients
- Vitamin D: 407% DV
- Vitamin B12: 228% DV
- Selenium: 52% DV
- Phosphorus: 24% DV
- Niacin: 16% DV
8) Squid
Squid is otherwise known as calamari, and it is a popular food in cuisines around the world.
Depending on the country, it can be prepared in a range of different ways. In the Mediterranean region, chefs tend to either fry squid or serve it as a stew that incorporates vegetables.
In contrast, people eat it raw in East Asia as sashimi or sushi.
Squid is a very good source of several essential vitamins and minerals, and per 100 g it provides (12):
- Calories: 92 kcal
- Carbohydrate: 3.1 g
- Fat: 1.4 g
- Omega-3: 496 mg
- Omega-6: 2 mg
- Protein: 15.6 g
Key Nutrients
- Copper: 95% DV
- Selenium: 64% DV
- Vitamin B2: 24% DV
- Phosphorus: 22% DV
- Vitamin B12: 22% DV
9) Sardines
Sardines are one of the cheapest and most nutritious fish.
First of all, we eat sardines in their whole form, and this includes the organs and small bones they contain.
As a result, they offer exceptional nutrient-density and an excellent non-dairy source of calcium.
Furthermore, sardines provide more than 100% of the daily value for vitamin D. They are also one of the most concentrated sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
Depending on location, sardines may be available in their fresh or frozen form, but canned options are available around the world.
Nutritionally, sardines provide the following nutrients per 100 g (13):
- Calories: 186 kcal
- Carbohydrate: 0.7 g
- Fat: 10.5 g
- Omega-3: 1693 mg
- Omega-6: 123 mg
- Protein: 20.9 g
Key Nutrients
- Vitamin B12: 150% DV
- Vitamin D: 120% DV
- Selenium: 58% DV
- Phosphorus: 37% DV
- Calcium: 24% DV
For more on their benefits, see this complete guide to sardines.
10) Seaweed
In addition to fish and shellfish, there is another category of seafood that can be incredibly nutrient-dense; sea vegetables.
On the negative side, not many of us eat enough sea vegetables. Most people in Western nations do not eat any at all.
This lack of attention is a shame given how nutritious they are, and they also contain some unique beneficial compounds.
As mentioned earlier, iodine deficiency is relatively common. Sea vegetables can make a big difference here because they are the most iodine-rich foods on earth (14).
There is a wide variety of different sea vegetables, but some of the most common include kelp, kombu, nori, and wakame.
Here is the nutrition profile for wakame per 100 g (15):
- Calories: 45 kcal
- Carbohydrate: 9.1 g
- Fat: 0.6 g
- Omega-3: 188 mg
- Omega-6: 10 mg
- Protein: 3 g
Key Nutrients
- Manganese: 70% DV
- Folate: 49% DV
- Sodium: 36% DV
- Magnesium: 27% DV
- Calcium: 15% DV
11) Shrimp
Shrimp belongs to the crustacea family of shellfish, and they provide an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and various micronutrients.
Shrimp also contains many nutrients that we have a suboptimal intake of, such as selenium and choline (16, 17).
Despite historical fears over their cholesterol content, shrimp have been exonerated of blame over the past few years.
Notably, research has clearly shown that dietary cholesterol has little effect on plasma (blood levels) of cholesterol (18, 19).
Per 100 g, shrimp provides (20):
- Calories: 106 kcal
- Carbohydrate: 0.9 g
- Fat: 1.7 g
- Omega-3: 540 mg
- Omega-6: 28 mg
- Protein: 20.3 g
Key Nutrients
- Selenium: 54% DV
- Vitamin D: 38% DV
- Phosphorus: 20% DV
- Vitamin B12: 19% DV
- Iron: 13% DV
See this guide to the benefits and drawbacks of shrimp for a full review.
12) Clams
Clams are another type of shellfish that offer exceptional nutritional value.
Belonging to the mollusk family of shellfish, they have a salty taste and a soft, chewy texture.
Typically, people either eat lightly seasoned clams on their own, but they also work well in a variety of soups and stews.
Nutritionally speaking, clams offer some excellent benefits, and they provide an exceptional source of vitamin B12.
Here is a look at their nutrition profile per 100 g (21):
- Calories: 74 kcal
- Carbohydrate: 2.6 g
- Fat: 1.0 g
- Omega-3: 198 mg
- Omega-6: 16 mg
- Protein: 12.8 g
Key Nutrients
- Vitamin B12: 824% DV
- Iron: 78% DV
- Selenium: 35% DV
- Manganese: 25% DV
- Vitamin C: 22% DV
13) Anchovies
Anchovies are one of the smallest edible fish in the world, but they pack an impressive nutritional punch.
As a small oily fish, they share some common traits with sardines.
However, these two fish are entirely different species and belong to different families of fish.
There is quite a big difference in their taste too. For instance, anchovies are notably stronger in flavor and sardines are relatively mild in comparison.
Anchovies are almost always preserved in brine or salt-cured too, which gives them a saltier taste.
Due to these differences, sardines work better eaten alone, but anchovies contribute a fuller flavor when used in various dishes.
Similar to sardines, we often eat anchovies in their whole fish form, and they offer an impressive range of nutrients. Per 100 g they provide (22):
- Calories: 131 kcal
- Carbohydrate: 0 g
- Fat: 4.8 g
- Omega-3: 1478 mg
- Omega-6: 97 mg
- Protein: 20.4 g
Key Nutrients
- Niacin: 70% DV
- Selenium: 52% DV
- Iron: 18% DV
- Phosphorus: 17% DV
- Calcium: 15% DV
14) Mussels
Mussels belong to the mollusk family of shellfish, and like oysters and clams, they offer a lot of benefits.
Most notably, mussels are a substantial source of B vitamins and the mineral manganese. They also offer a decent amount of omega-3.
Regarding taste, they are both mild and salty, with a soft and chewy texture.
Like other shellfish, we can eat them alone along with various seasonings like lemon, soy sauce, garlic, and butter.
Additionally, they work well in a range of cooked dishes. For example, Thai-style mussel curries are famous around the world.
For anyone interested, there is a good recipe for Thai coconut mussels here.
Here is a look at their nutrition profile per 100 g (23):
- Calories: 172 kcal
- Carbohydrate: 7.4 g
- Fat: 4.5 g
- Omega-3: 940 mg
- Omega-6: 180 mg
- Protein: 23.8 g
Key Nutrients
- Vitamin B12: 1000% DV
- Selenium: 163% DV
- Manganese: 296% DV
- Iron: 37% DV
- Riboflavin: 32% DV
This complete guide to mussels offers a full look at their nutritional values and health properties.
15) Crab
Interestingly, crab is very low in calories and only contains minimal amounts of fat.
Despite this, crab offers a lot of nutritional value, and it is a sizeable source of numerous vitamins and minerals.
While crab tastes somewhat similar to white fish, it is very mild in flavor with hints of sweetness, and it has a softer texture.
On the downside, one negative point about crab is that many people suffer from shellfish allergy.
This allergy is not unique to crab, and it impacts fellow members of the crustacea family of shellfish including shrimp and lobster.
Approximately 0.5 to 2.5% of the world’s population suffer from this potentially serious shellfish allergy (24).
Crab offers the following nutrients per 100 g (25);
- Calories: 87 kcal
- Carbohydrate: 0 g
- Fat: 1.1 g
- Omega-3: 320 mg
- Omega-6: 12 mg
- Protein: 18.1 g
Key Nutrients
- Vitamin B12: 150% DV
- Selenium: 53% DV
- Copper: 33% DV
- Zinc: 24% DV
- Phosphorus: 23% DV
16) Lobster
Lobster is a popular (but expensive) variety of shellfish.
While it is very nutritious, it is an occasional treat food for most people due to its high price tag.
Lobster is high in protein and it offers a good range of essential nutrients for very few calories.
On the downside, lobster is one of the most common causes of allergic reaction among shellfish, behind shrimp and crab (24).
Lobster offers the following nutrients per 100 g (26):
- Calories: 88 kcal
- Carbohydrate: 0 g
- Fat: 0.9 g
- Omega-3: 250 mg
- Omega-6: 7 mg
- Protein: 19.0 g
Key Nutrients
- Copper: 172% DV
- Selenium: 132% DV
- Vitamin B12: 60% DV
- Zinc: 37% DV
- Pantothenic acid: 33% DV
This guide to the benefits and drawbacks of lobster provides further information.
17) Eel
While eel is very long and it may slightly resemble a snake, it is actually a variety of fish.
This fish has long been a traditional food in much of Europe and the United States, but it has declined in popularity over recent decades.
In recent times, eel is incredibly popular in East Asia, particularly in China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan.
Eel has an impressive nutritional profile, and it offers the following nutrients per 100 g (27):
- Calories: 236 kcal
- Carbohydrate: 0 g
- Fat: 15.0 g
- Omega-3: 580 mg
- Omega-6: 370 mg
- Protein: 23.7 g
Key Nutrients
- Vitamin A: 126% DV
- Vitamin B12: 120% DV
- Vitamin D: 53% DV
- Vitamin E: 34% DV
- Niacin: 28% DV
For more information, see this guide to eel’s nutritional benefits.
18) Fish Roe
Fish roe is otherwise known as fish eggs.
While not such a common food in the Western world, it is extremely popular in Japan and Eastern Russia.
Fish roe is also extremely nutritious and packs an impressive amount of nutrients including omega-3, vitamin D, significant amounts of protein, and much more.
There are many different kinds of roe, so there is no set of generic nutritional values.
However, see this guide to salmon roe for more information on one of the most popular types of fish egg.
19) Sprats
Sprats are a lesser-known member of the Clupeiform family of fish, which also includes anchovies, herring, and sardines.
Despite their small size, sprats are packed with nutritional value.
Per 100-gram serving, this fish offers:
- Calories: 157 kcal
- Carbohydrate: 0 g
- Fat: 6.53 g
- Omega-3: 1,380 mg
- Omega-6: 140 mg
- Protein: 23.0 g
Key Nutrients
- Vitamin B12: 548% DV
- Selenium: 85% DV
- Niacin (B3): 26% DV
- Phosphorus: 24% DV
- Riboflavin (B2): 23% DV
See the full nutritional values and benefits of sprats for more information.
20) Swordfish
Swordfish is a large fish that is one of the ocean’s biggest predators.
However, this fish has both positive points and some negative ones.
For example, it is very high in omega-3 fatty acids, but it also contains large amounts of mercury (28).
See this detailed guide to the pros and cons of swordfish for more information.
Per 100-gram serving, swordfish provides (29):
- Calories: 196 kcal
- Carbohydrate: 0 g
- Fat: 9.0 g
- Omega-3: 1,300 mg
- Omega-6: 100 mg
- Protein: 26.7 g
Key Nutrients
- Selenium: 142% DV
- Vitamin B12: 96% DV
- Vitamin D: 95% DV
- Niacin (B3): 66% DV
- Vitamin B6: 44% DV
21) Sashimi
Sashimi is a Japanese raw fish delicacy that comes in all shapes and forms.
Providing the raw fish has been prepared properly, it is also very nutritious as well as tasting delicious.
Some of the most popular types of sashimi include bream, salmon, shrimp, and tuna.
For more information on sashimi, how its made, and the different varieties, see this guide to sashimi.
Final Thoughts
As shown throughout the nutrition profiles of these foods, seafood is so much more than just omega-3.
Fish, shellfish, and sea vegetables are some of the most nutrient-dense choices out of any food group.
Finally, many types of seafood are reasonably priced, so they offer an excellent and affordable way to improve our overall diet.