Pesketarians

Pesketarianism is a dietary pattern that includes fish and seafood but excludes the flesh of other animals. A pesketarian diet is essentially a vegetarian diet that also incorporates fish. This means that while red meat, poultry, and other meats are avoided, eggs and dairy products are typically included.

Individuals may adopt a pesketarian diet for various reasons. Some choose it as a way to gain the health benefits associated with eating fish, such as omega-3 fatty acids, while still reducing their intake of saturated fats found in red meat and poultry. Others may be transitioning from a vegetarian or vegan diet, or find it a more sustainable or flexible approach to plant-based eating. For some, it might be a cultural or personal preference.

From a nutritional perspective, a well-planned pesketarian diet can be rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Fish provides essential nutrients like vitamin D and selenium, and oily fish are a significant source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart and brain health. Like vegetarian diets, pesketarianism can be high in fiber and antioxidants if it emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Careful planning is still important to ensure adequate intake of all necessary nutrients, especially iron and vitamin B12, though these are more readily available in fish than in vegetarian diets.