Making Spirits Bright, Alaska Seafood-style

Now that the clocks have fallen back and the days are darkening, vitamin D can be in short supply. Most vitamin D is produced by the human body during sun exposure, but shorter winter days can cause deficiencies that have been linked to everything from poor bone health to depression to higher chances of developing cancer, diabetes, and other illnesses.

Our friends at the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI), however, remind us that the limited sunshine doesn’t have to take a toll on health. Indeed, one of the few natural food sources of vitamin D -- wild Alaska seafood – is also a tasty, wholesome meal.

With up to 903 International Units (IUs) of vitamin D in each serving, wild Alaska salmon packs a nutritional punch that’s perfect for beating the winter blues. Alaska halibut and rockfish are also great sources of vitamin D, respectively providing over one-third and half of the USDA recommended daily value. Plus, all three species are high in protein and mood-boosting omega 3s.

Retailers seeking more information on how to promote the benefits of wild and sustainable Alaska seafood can visit www.alaskaseafood.org.