It’s no secret that fish is good for us. But very few people eat enough fish to take advantage of the health benefits. I’m going to try and convince you to eat more fish by telling you 5 reasons why you should! You should be trying to eat at least 2-3 portions of fish per week, if you’re doing that already you’re on the right track!
5 reasons why your should eat fish
- Fish is low in fat
If cooked the right way, fish is very low in fat. The best way to cook fish is by grilling, steaming or in the oven. Fish does not absorb much external fat, so shallow frying fish in olive oil is also a good choice. Try to avoid fish in greasy sauces, fish fingers or fish in batter. The batter and sauces around the fish absorb oil and fat.
- Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids
Fresh oily fish is one of the best and most convenient sources of omega-3 essential fatty acids. It is the one major exception to the need to restrict dietary fat intake for optimum health and weight loss. Unlike other foods rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids, like flax or linseed oil, fresh fish is freely available. And unlike nuts and seeds – the other main food source of omega-3, oily fish is a much richer source. Fish types that are high in omega-3 are…
- Blue eyed cod
- Fish helps prevent heart disease and stroke
This point really follows on from point #2. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish help prevent stroke and heart disease in 2 ways. Firstly it helps prevent blood clots in arteries. Secondly, it helps to lower blood pressure levels. People that eat fish regularly throughout their life have significantly less chance of having a heart attack or stroke.
- Eating fish is good for your bones
One way to keep your bones healthy and strong is to eat a diet that’s high in calcium. What most people don’t know is that some canned fish and small fish contain very high levels of calcium. The reason is these fish have very small bones which we eat when we eat the fish. These bones are packed with calcium. Canned fish high in calcium include sardines and salmon and small fish include mullet and whitebait.
- Fish is high in protein
Protein is one of the things that seem to lack in people’s everyday diets. Fish is one of the best sources of protein available. Fresh fish contains up to 20% protein and canned fish can contain anywhere from 10-20% protein.
Fish doesn’t have to be expensive and is not hard to prepare, so there’s no reason why you can’t include more of it in your weekly diet (unless you allergic). Canned fish is inexpensive and can be eaten on toast, in salads, served with pasta or noodles.