Pollock
Pollock is listed in the Longevity Diet as a lean fish providing 0.4 g EPA/DHA omega-3 per 75 g cooked serving, recommended as part of the diet's twice-weekly fatty/lean fish component.
Why It Matters for Longevity
Pollock is listed in the Longevity Diet as a lean fish providing 0.4 g EPA/DHA omega-3 per 75 g cooked serving, recommended as part of the diet's twice-weekly fatty/lean fish component. EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids reduce triglycerides, lower inflammatory eicosanoid production, support neuronal membrane integrity, and are associated with reduced cardiovascular and all-cause mortality.. Seafood omega-3s (EPA/DHA) reduce cardiovascular mortality by ~36% in meta-analyses; even modest intakes from lean fish like pollock contribute to cardioprotective thresholds. (PubMed — Mozaffarian & Wu, Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2011) — PMID 21945129) Alaska pollock provides high-quality complete protein (DIAAS > 1.0) with all essential amino acids; lean white fish protein supports muscle protein synthesis and maintenance of lean mass during aging (sarcopenia prevention). (PubMed — Hosomi et al., Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology (2011) — PMID 22101551)
How to Use It
Pairs well with lemon, extra-virgin-olive-oil, garlic. Use as a fish in your daily meals according to the Longevity Diet guidelines.
What to Pair It With
| Ingredient | Why | Tradition |
|---|---|---|
| lemon | See synergies | General culinary |
| extra-virgin-olive-oil | See synergies | The Longevity Diet |
| garlic | See synergies | General culinary |
| capers | See synergies | General culinary |
Synergies
- Lemon (complement): Lemon juice brightens the mild flavor and vitamin C enhances absorption of any non-heme iron or fat-soluble nutrients in an accompanying vegetable side. - Extra-Virgin-Olive-Oil (complement): Olive oil adds monounsaturated fats and polyphenols that complement the omega-3 profile of pollock, forming a broadly cardioprotective meal. - Garlic (complement): Garlic allicin compounds have complementary cardiovascular benefits (blood pressure, platelet aggregation) that synergize with fish omega-3s.
Flavor Profile
Taste: mild, slightly sweet, clean, neutral. Aroma: mild ocean, neutral, clean. Texture: flaky, firm, moist when not overcooked. Category: lean white fish.
The Science
- PubMed — Mozaffarian & Wu, Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2011) — PMID 21945129: Seafood omega-3s (EPA/DHA) reduce cardiovascular mortality by ~36% in meta-analyses; even modest intakes from lean fish like pollock contribute to cardioprotective thresholds. - PubMed — Hosomi et al., Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology (2011) — PMID 22101551: Alaska pollock provides high-quality complete protein (DIAAS > 1.0) with all essential amino acids; lean white fish protein supports muscle protein synthesis and maintenance of lean mass during aging (sarcopenia prevention). - PubMed — FAO/WHO Joint Expert Consultation (2011) — PMID 22254072: Pollock is among the most sustainable commercially harvested fish; low mercury content (<0.04 ppm) makes it suitable for regular consumption in longevity diets where fish frequency is emphasized. - Book claim (medium confidence): Pollock is listed in the Longevity Diet as a lean fish providing 0.4 g EPA/DHA omega-3 per 75 g cooked serving, recommen
Key Nutrients
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EPA + DHA (omega-3) | ~0.5 g (cooked) | Pre-formed long-chain omega-3s; nearly 100% bioavailable; not dependent on conversion from ALA like plant sources. |
| Protein | 19–21 g (cooked) | Complete, high-quality protein; DIAAS > 1.0; supports muscle maintenance during aging and IGF-1 modulation relevant to longevity. |
| Vitamin B12 | ~3.2 mcg (cooked, ~133% DV) | Highly bioavailable from fish; critical for neurological function and DNA methylation; deficiency is common in plant-dominant diets. |
| Selenium | ~37 mcg (cooked, ~67% DV) | Essential cofactor for glutathione peroxidase antioxidant enzymes; selenoprotein P is a key longevity-associated selenium transport protein. |