For 17 years, Laine Welch has covered the Alaska "fish beat" for print and broadcast. She also has worked in seafood processing, and "behind the counter" in retail and wholesale seafood businesses. Before coming to Alaska in 1986, Laine was well known in New England for her daily radio broadcasts of fish prices and landings at auctions in Boston and New Bedford, MA. Laine's goal is to make all people aware of the economic and social importance of the seafood industry to Alaska and the nation - from harvesters and business professionals, to those who simply eat fish occasionally. Also read Laine's Fish Factor column
Seafood ranks #4 for American cravings
Kodiak, Alaska
5/17/06
What foods do Americans crave most?
How does seafood fare among the foods that Americans crave the most? A nationwide survey by the American Cancer Society found that seafood ranked fourth, along with beef and meat. The study, which was designed primarily to build awareness of the link between obesity and cancer risk, found that 56 percent of the respondents said they can't resist certain foods. According to Intrafish, the survey measured responses by more than 2,000 Americans aged 18 and over. Chocolate topped the list of cravings. Coming in at number two were pizza, pasta and Italian food. Number three was cookies, cakes and muffins, followed by seafood, beef and meat at number four. The survey found that 83 percent of Americans recognize the link of being overweight to heart disease and 57 knew the link to diabetes. But only 8 percent understand that there is a connection between being overweight and cancer risk. The American Cancer Society has dubbed Thursday as the Great American Eat Right Challenge to create awareness of that link.
On a related note - Canadian researchers have found that fish proteins can help prevent diabetes. In studies at Laval University, acids gleaned from cod and other whitefish boosted sensitivity to insulin by up to 30 percent, compared to 16 to 25 percent for some popular medications.
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