Fish is one of the most delicious and versatile foods in the world. But we do not always consider just how good fish is for our body. There are undeniable benefits to eating fish with all the vitamins and nutritious oils they contain. But would it help if you had some every day?
Let’s find out how eating fish can change your life!
1. Great source of protein
Fish like pollock, blue whiting, and cod are excellent sources of protein. One fish can contain up to 20 grams of protein per 100 grams, even though it would only be 60-80 cal. Iodine and various vitamins are also hugely beneficial for your body. Fatty fish, such as the all-time favorite salmon and sardines, are considered more nutritious and healthy. Their meat is high in vitamin D and contains more omega-3 fatty acids than the lean type. These acids are absolutely vital for the proper functioning of the body and brain. Not to mention, they are closely linked to reducing the risk of many diseases.
2. Reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes
Fish won’t heal an aching heart, but it can alleviate some of its other issues. Studies have shown that smart people who eat fish several times a week have a 15% lower risk of heart disease. Researchers believe that fatty fish is even more beneficial for the heart due to the high amount of omega-3s.
3. Helps the brain
With age, brain function deteriorates. It is a natural process, but neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease are no fun at all. Recent studies show that elderly people who eat more fish have lower cognitive decline. It’s all about the gray matter in the brain, which processes information, stores memories, and generally makes us human. Eating fish every week increases the amount of gray matter in the brain’s centers that regulate emotions and memory. Therefore, snacking on fish more often will be even better for you.
4. Enhances mood and can help fight depression
It’s right there in the title: the more fish you eat, the better your mood. Just don’t fall into a food coma. Fish also helps with the big D, by which we mean “depression,” of course. And it’s all thanks to the omega-3 acids. Another added benefit of these fatty acids is that they can also increase the effectiveness of antidepressants.
5. The best source of vitamin D
Vitamin D naturally comes from many sources. It is basically a steroid hormone, and half of the people who usually stay at home for days without going outside are deficient in it. This is why God made fish so good and tasty! Much vitamin D is found in those good fatty fish, herring and salmon. Just one serving of salmon will cover your daily recommended dose of vitamin D.
6. Reduces the risk of autoimmune diseases
Autoimmune diseases spring up when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy body tissues. One example of such an ailment is type 1 diabetes, in which the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Researchers have discovered that consuming cod liver, which has a killer dose of omega-3, will reduce the risk of type 1 diabetes in children and adults.
7. Improves vision
Macular degeneration is one of the main causes of visual impairment and blindness affecting the elderly. There is evidence that fish rich in omega-3 acids can protect against this disease. The study found that daily fish consumption reduced the risk of this disease in women by 42%.
8. Improves sleep
And one of the most valuable life improvements fish can grant you is sleep. Sleep quality, among many other factors, is affected by vitamin D deficiency, and as it was said before, fish have boatloads of it. A six-month study of 95 middle-aged men showed that eating salmon three times a week improved their sleep quality and helped them function better during the day.