8 Advantages of Fish Fatty Acids

Fish fatty acids have many far reaching health benefits and should be included as a part of your balanced diet. These essential fatty acids, primarily omega-3s, must be consumed through diet, as your body does not produce them on its own.
Sources of omega-3s can be ingested either through fatty fish or supplements. Though natural fish consumption is thought to be the best because of the additional nutrients it provides your body, either method of consumption will produce positive results on your long-term health. Fatty fishes include salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines and anchovies, and they should be eaten at least twice a week to bring the following benefits to your body:
Advantage #1: Reduces Cancer Risk
Regular consumption of omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce the risk of several types of cancer by up to 50%, including breast, ovary, prostate, esophagus, colon and oral cancers.
Advantage #2: Reduces Risk of Cardiovascular Disease
Research has shown that by eating fatty fishes twice a week, you can reduce your risk of stroke and heart disease. Eating these fish helps to reduce blood clots, improve blood vessel elasticity, lower blood pressure, boost good cholesterol and lower blood fats, all of which contribute to your improved cardiovascular health.
Advantage #3: Decreases Dementia Risk
Studies have proven that elderly people who eat seafood or fish at least once weekly, have a much lower risk of developing both dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Advantage #4: Helps Manage Diabetes
Regular eating of fatty fish has been shown to help manage blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Advantage #5: Helps Relieve Inflammatory Conditions
Eating fatty fish on a regular basis has been proven to assist in relieving some of the symptoms of inflammatory conditions like autoimmune diseases, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Advantage #6: Improves Brain and Eye Health
A diet rich in omega-3s, the vital nutrient supplied in fatty fish, has been shown to contribute to the health of both brain tissue and the retina.
Advantage #7: Decreases Depression Rates
The omega-3s in fatty fish have been linked to producing lower incidences of depression in those people that regularly consume fish.
Advantage #8: Decreases Asthma Risk
Studies have shown that children who eat fatty fish are much less likely to develop asthma throughout their lives.
With so many health benefits, there is no reason to not increase your consumption of fatty fish. Try different fish and recipes, and experiment with baking, steaming, poaching and grilling the fish to really get started on the road to healthier eating and living.

2-Minute Pumpkin Pie

If you need a little something to satisfy your sweet tooth, whip up this 75-calorie pumpkin pie for one. This simple recipe, pared down to the most basic and common ingredients, only takes 2 minutes to make, but the end result tastes as delicious as traditional, calorie-packed pie. Ingredients:
1/2 c. pumpkin puree
1/4 c. egg whites (from an egg or carton)
Sweetener
Cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
Directions:

Mix together all the ingredients. If you prefer a flan-like texture, add more pumpkin; if you prefer a cake-like texture, add more egg whites. Microwave for two minutes. Use a mix of Greek yogurt, hazelnut cream cheese, and pumpkin pie spice for the icing. Top with toasted pecans.
Makes one serving.
Recipe provided by Live Laugh Eat

Ancho Chili and Chocolate Goat Cheesecake Popsicles

Taking a bite out of this creamy goat cheese blend is like feasting on a slice of rich cheesecake—in popsicle form! With a spicy kick of ancho chili powder and a dose of antioxidant-rich cocoa, each low-fat treat amounts to approximately 75 calories. Ingredients:
4 oz. low-fat goat cheese, softened
1/3 c. sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 tsp. cocoa powder
2 eggs, separated
1 tbsp. flour
1/4 tsp. ancho chili powder
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine goat cheese, sugar, and vanilla and mix until smooth. Add egg yolks two at a time. Fold in flour, cocoa powder, and ancho chile. Whip egg whites until soft peaks form. Gently fold into mixture. Spread into buttered and sugared parchment-lined baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Cool. Remove from pan by picking up parchment. Use 1 in. cookie cutter to make individual circles and insert skewers to create a "lollipop.”
Makes about eight servings.
Recipe provided by Chef Chris Santos of Beauty & Essex and The Stanton Social

Occoquan River

The tidal Occoquan has white perch, striped bass, largemouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, flathead catfish, and channel catfish. Herring and shad provide plenty of action for dip-netters and hook-and-line fishermen each spring.
Several public boat ramps off Route 123 provide access.

Occoquan Reservoir - Fishing Opportunities

The main species of interest at Occoquan are largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie, but opportunities exist for anglers to catch channel catfish, flathead catfish, northern pike, and white perch. No matter the skill level, technique of choice, or time of year, the tastes of all anglers should be satisfied while fishing at Occoquan.
Largemouth Bass
The largemouth bass fishing is exceptional at Occoquan. Currently, the population is diverse, with bass found in all size classes up to about 21 inches. Good numbers of fish are available in the 4-6 pound range with an occasional larger fish mixed into the bag.
Routine population sampling conducted by fisheries biologists provides the Department with information pertaining to the status of the fishery. Comparisons can be made between electrofishing samples conducted during different years, which allows biologists to assess changes to the fishery. One index used by biologists is the CPE-P or catch per effort of preferred fish. The CPE-P for largemouth bass is the number of fish 15 inches or larger that are collected per hour of effort. Occoquan Reservoir was last sampled in 2007, and based on those numbers and rankings, it was the best place to fish for big bass in the District. This is even more noteworthy considering its large size and its comparisons to many reservoirs that were much smaller (catch rates are usually higher in small water bodies).
Heavy fishing pressure with ample habitat and abundant forage may make it more difficult to consistently catch fish. Patience is the key; anglers willing to try different techniques and lures to match the prevailing conditions should find success. Largemouth bass typically are found in transition areas between different habitats, particularly around heavy cover. Anglers should concentrate their efforts in these areas, fishing with a variety of lures such as plastic worms, jigs, spinner baits, or crank baits.
Black and White Crappie
Occoquan Reservoir has a very good crappie fishery and anglers should concentrate on areas with structure during the early spring. Anglers consistently catch fish around boat docks, fish attractors, or brush piles. Crappie can be successfully caught by a variety of methods ranging from small jigs, spinners, or flies fished with ultra light spinning gear or anglers may desire more traditional tactics such as fishing small minnows with a cane pole and bobber. Remember that crappies are a schooling fish, and once a fish is caught it is likely that several more will be caught with in close proximity. White crappie typically run larger; and, with the closure of Lake Manassas, Occoquan is the only District lake to offer white crappie.
Bluegill
The bluegill population has dropped considerably since the early 1990's, but the population remains in balance. Fair numbers of bluegill are found in the 5-7 inch range at Occoquan, which provides anglers' ample opportunity to fish for this delightful pan fish. Bream fishing does not have to be complicated. Anglers may use live bait such as worms or crickets with hopes of enticing a strike. Some anglers prefer to use ultra light spinning gear or fly fishing gear to present small lures or flies. Pound for pound, there's not a fish that fights any harder than a scrappy bluegill. Bream are easy to catch which makes them ideal for introducing young children to the sport of fishing.
Channel Catfish
Occoquan provides a good channel catfish fishery for anglers living close to the Beltway. Channel catfish were first stocked into Occoquan Reservoir in 1964 and were stocked annually afterwards until 1978. Stocking of channel catfish occurred on alternate years between 1981-1991. A good fishery has developed since those initial stockings and the channel catfish population is self-sustaining. Channel catfish are not currently stocked into the reservoir since there is adequate natural reproduction. Anglers can expect to catch fish in the 14-20 inch range, with most fish averaging about 2 pounds.
Flathead Catfish
Twelve flathead catfish were stocked into Occoquan Reservoir in 1965. Since that initial introduction a fantastic fishery has developed which produced the state record flathead catfish catch of 66 pounds 4 oz., caught and released by Mike Willems in May 1994. Anglers may want to concentrate their efforts in areas around rocky bluffs in close proximity to deep water. Live bream are the bait of choice and are often fished on the bottom with a slip sinker rig.
Northern Pike
Northern pike were stocked into Occoquan in 2001 at a rate of 0.5 fish per acre. Anglers should expect to encounter these fish in 2-4 years. Northern pike were stocked to prey on the abundant alewife and gizzard shad populations present with in the reservoir and should provide a trophy element to the fishery.

Upcoming Events!

Remember to check in frequently to our website, for upcoming events! Click the URL Below:

http://www.madiganswaterfront.com/restaurant-northern-va-calendar-entertainment.php

More Seafood Questions Answered

Common Seafood Questions Answered
Here are the most common questions I get here about seafood so I thought I would address them here in one post. Fresh fish seems the major concern.

When is fish bad? Whole fish is bad when the eyes get cloudy and the gills get brownish in color, always look for clear eyes and ruby red gills when buying fish whole or having one filleted or steaked out. Cut fish is bad when the flesh does not spring back from touch, the flesh is opaque and/or has an ammonia type odor.

When is fresh or wild salmon season? People often ask for fresh salmon when they mean wild salmon that is why I included both terms. Typically wild salmon season runs from first of March to late November although some species are available late into winter. My advice is to always buy Alaskan salmon, if it is not available fresh, frozen Alaskan salmon is just as good, the process they use often makes the frozen salmon actually fresher than the "fresh" salmon you buy in market.


Is seafood better for you than red meat? Yes, it is recommended you have two to three servings of seafood a week compared to one of red meat, and yes pork is included in red meat despite their advertising it as a white meat. There is just so much good nutrition you can obtain from seafood that you just can't get from any other single food source, plus it is a high grade protein.

Seafood Questions?

Common Seafood Questions Answered
Here are the most common questions I get here about seafood so I thought I would address them here in one post. Fresh fish seems the major concern.


When does fish go bad? When fish goes bad is determined by the temperature it is stored at. At minus 10 degrees F or below it can last up to 12 months, at 30 degrees F about 7 days, at 40 degrees F (approx normal home refrigeration temp) about two to three days.


How fast does fish go bad? Typically it will last in home refrigeration two to three days after brought home from market. Temperature is always the key to how fast fish goes bad, the colder you can keep fish the longer it stays consumable.

More Advantages to Fish

Dementia - elderly people who eat fish or seafood at least once a week may have a lower risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.

Depression - people who regularly eat fish have a lower incidence of depression (depression is linked to low levels of omega 3 fatty acids in the brain).

Diabetes - fish may help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels.

Eyesight - breastfed babies of mothers who eat fish have better eyesight, perhaps due to the omega 3 fatty acids transmitted in breast milk.

Inflammatory conditions - regular fish consumption may relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and autoimmune disease.

Prematurity - eating fish during pregnancy may help reduce the risk of delivering a premature baby.

Advantages of Fish

Regular consumption of fish can reduce the risk of various diseases and disorders. Selected research findings indicate the following:

Asthma - children who eat fish may be less likely to develop asthma.

Brain and eyes - fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids can contribute to the health of brain tissue and the retina (the light sensitive tissue lining the inner surface of the eye).

Cancer - the omega 3 fatty acids in fish may reduce the risk of many types of cancers by 30 to 50 per cent, especially of the oral cavity, oesophagus, colon, breast, ovary and prostate.

Cardiovascular disease - eating fish every week reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke by reducing blood clots and inflammation, improving blood vessel elasticity, lowering blood pressure, lowering blood fats and boosting 'good' cholesterol.

Researchers worldwide have discovered

...that eating fish regularly - one or two servings weekly - may reduce the risk of diseases ranging from childhood asthma to prostate cancer. 

Fish is low in fat, high in protein and an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids. 

Read more: Advantages of Eating Fish Foods - Health Benefits | Medindia http://www.medindia.net/patients/patientinfo/fishfood.htm#ixzz20RjsQJF7

Health Benefits of Seafood

Recent studies have shown that the Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids found in fresh seafood have a number of heart-related health benefits. These polyunsaturated acids, otherwise known as "good fats", prove to lower cholesterol, decrease blood clotting factors and increase beneficial relaxation in larger arteries and blood vessels.

Additional fresh seafood health benefits in relation to brain functioning, skin conditions and ability to fight infection include improvements in:

• Immune system
• Eye functioning
• Neurological functioning
• Infant brain development
• Intelligence
• Psoriasis
• Concentration

Take advantage of seafood's many health benefits and browse our extensive fresh seafood selection or call us at 1-866-WOW-Seafood for more information. All Fresh Seafood's knowledgeable "fishmongers" will be happy to answer all of your questions.

Seafood Health Benefits

Most people are completely unaware of the many health benefits of seafood. Fresh seafood is a genuine health food that has been shown to help prevent and alleviate growing list of ailments. Experts on human nutrition who have studied these seafood health benefits have determined that fresh seafood, when consumed at least two times per week, produces significant improvements in heart problems, arthritis, and other health-related issues.
Seafood as a Provider of Essential Oils, Vitamins, Minerals and Nutrients

A healthy diet should consist of a variety of fish, which are comparatively low in fat and high in Omega-3, including:

• Sardines
• Salmon
• Rainbow Trout
• Tuna

Seafood is an excellent source of high-quality protein while remaining low in saturated fat and rich in vitamins and minerals. The vitamin D is one such vitamin found in fresh seafood that possesses anti-cancer and bone-building properties. Astaxanthin, an anti-oxidant found in salmon, also produces a host of documented health advantages. Additional nutrients that contribute to seafood's health benefits include iodine, zinc and selenium.

Specials Everyday…

Check Out 

 Waterfront Daily News

Reservations for the dining room are taken for parties of six or more, unless it is a holiday such as New Years, Valentines Day, Easter, Mother's Day, etc. when reservations are required.

Starting in season we have Monday Deck Parties.  On weekends, enjoy acoustical deck acts.

Make sure you check out our Photo Gallery Page to observe many of our food and dessert selections and pictures of the restaurant.

Happy Hour Specials Every Day!

Life affords precious few opportunities for momentous celebrations. So when those Events, Weddings, and Special Occasions do arise, you want to make certain everything is just right. Let Madigan’s Waterfront host your next Special Occasion and go to the Banquets and Special Events Page to review our offerings.

Madigan’s Waterfront has the facilities, accommodations, and staff with twenty years of experience and knowledge to provide you with everything required for your Event or Special Occasion. Cathy, with her years of experience, can help with your preparations and insure a successful event.

Please feel free to contact cathymadigan@comcast.net or call Cathy at 703-494-6373 to discuss your special occasion and schedule a personal tour of our facilities. Please no email reservations!

Forms & Contracts

Madigan’s Waterfront has important contracts and letters on-line for your convenience.

To make your wedding, dinner party or special event perfect, we need all these forms at least two (2) weeks in advance.  Please call Cathy Madigan if you have any questions.  Thank you for your time in this matter.

• Contract
• Special Events Letter
• DJ Contract
• DJ's Wedding Planner

Available Upon Request

-- DJ -- Live Band -- Sound Systems -- Limousine Service -- Flowers and Decorations --
-- Party Favors -- Supply Rental -- Bar Service -- Setup and Cleanup --
and Other Services Available On Request.

Please feel free to call 703-494-6373 with any questions or comments that you may have concerning more information, costs, date availability, and additional special menus.

At your convenience, we can set up an appointment for you to visit our venue and choose your menu selections. Cathy at Madigan’s Waterfront looks forward to hearing from you soon:

cathymadigan@comcast.net 703-494-6373.

Special Events:

Please refer to our Dinner Party Menus for food and pricing for typical Awards Banquets, Anniversaries, Birthday Parties, Business or Office Party Luncheons or Dinners, Wedding Receptions, Bridal Showers, and Special and Themed Events. Menu packages may include, for example, 4 menu selections and 1 Dinner Buffet menu where you may choose from up to 3 entrees and 1 side dish for your guests.

Cathy and her staff can provide help to arrange your Events or Special Occasions with a variety of services to include:

Wedding Receptions:

Please refer to our Wedding Menus for a full sampling of food and prices.

Cathy Madigan is available to help with obtaining wedding cakes, special food or drink, special decorations, or other items. To discuss, please call her at 703-494-6373 or Emailcathymadigan@comcast.net.

Upstairs Banquet and Bar Area:

Our upstairs reception venue can accommodate 110 guests for a sit down dinner and 200 guests for a buffet/cocktail reception. We require a 50 guest minimum. Receptions are scheduled in 4 hour blocks, and each additional hour is $250. They may be scheduled to end or start at 5pm. We are located directly on the water and have a view of the Occoquan River. So whether your event is held during the afternoon or evening you can enjoy the fabulous view from our Waterfront Banquet Facility.

We have a fully stocked bar and base all alcohol upon consumption. We offer several options: open bar; limited bar with house brand liquor; house wine & beer; limited bar with beer & wine only; a dollar amount bar; and also a cash bar. The alcohol bill is paid at the end of the event.