The term “pescatarian" was coined in the 1990s to describe someone who doesn't eat meat or poultry but does eat seafood and fish. It’s a combination of the word “pesce”, which is Italian for fish, and the word vegetarian.
Fish and seafood are the main protein sources in a pescatarian diet. Produce, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and healthy fats make up the remainder of the diet.
Reasons People Choose Pescatarian Diets
Pescatarians may feel they are not getting enough protein or other nutrients by following a strictly vegetarian or vegan diet. Although there are many plant-based sources of protein available, people may miss the texture, flavor and consistency of meat. Fish and seafood can provide a healthier alternative.
Carnivores can also adopt a pescatarian diet for environmental and ethical reasons while enjoying a healthy and varied protein source. People with concerns about animal welfare and the lack of sustainability within the commercial meat industry often feel more comfortable about consuming farmed and naturally caught fish and seafood.
Health factors can also play a major role in people's adoption of a pescatarian diet. Fish and seafood represent a healthy and lean protein source, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to heart and brain health. These fatty acids may also improve the risk factors for heart disease and benefit mental health by reducing depression and anxiety.
Pescatarians may also simply choose their diet because of the greater variety it offers. One of the main reasons for people abandoning a vegetarian lifestyle is because of the limited protein sources it offers.
Benefits of a Pescatarian Diet
Omega-3 fatty acids and protein are not the only dietary benefits offered by fish and seafood. A pescatarian diet is also high in vitamins and minerals and contains almost no saturated fats. While fatty fish contain some saturated fats, they contain much less than red meat. Mackerel contains the most saturated fat, and it is only 4.2 grams per 100-gram serving. Even rich-tasting crab has only 0.2 grams per 100-gram serving.
Cardiologists highly value a fish and seafood diet for the polyunsaturated fats it offers (healthy fats). These fats help keep your blood vessels, heart and lungs healthy and your immune system operating as it should.
The lean properties of fish and seafood also help keep your weight under control while providing an ample source of protein.
Why the Pescatarian Diet is Becoming Popular Globally
Social media is helping spread the word about unsustainable animal welfare practices within the meat and poultry industries worldwide making a meat-eating diet less attractive. A diet based on plant products, fish, and seafood also appeals to health-conscious people on several levels, including lowering cholesterol, keeping the heart healthy, and helping to maintain a healthy weight.
The popularity of light, healthy, fresh and tasty meals has been growing steadily. As the culinary arts continue to create, innovate, and improve food preparation techniques, the appeal of delicious and innovative pescatarian meals will continue to entice and attract followers.
Prod. is a Pescatarian’s Paradise
Prod. is Pattaya's first Thai and seafood fine-dining restaurant. We practice the fin-to-scale approach, which uses the entire fish to maximize the value and increase the sustainability of our natural resources. This approach means we are continually creating new innovative dishes and techniques to get the most flavor and value from our ingredients and improve our one-of-a-kind dishes.
Our chefs visit the fish markets of Pattaya every day, searching for the freshest fish and seafood to serve our guests. Our menu caters to pescatarians with our fresh fish, seafood, farm-to-table produce, and natural ingredients. Visit us to sample some of our healthy seafood and vegetable dishes, including:
Spicy shrimp salad with Thai herbs and Cha Ploo Leaf in a crispy bowl
Bang Saray squid with coconut and herb soup with Cha Ploo leaf
Spicy shrimp and Thai eggplant salad (served with shrimp shell tuiles)
If you’re considering a change of diet and would like to explore some healthy pescatarian meals, join us at Prod. Book your table today.
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