Fish is a limbless cold-blooded vertebrate with gills and fins, living wholly in water. Fish meal is high in protein, vitamins and minerals, but low in calories, total fat and saturated fat.
The seafood is physically categorised into scaly and non-scaly fishes.
Scaly fishes are the ones with scales. According to research, they have lower fat content compared to their non-scaly counterparts. Examples are tilapia, barracuda, shiny nose, sole and lots more.
Non-scaly fishes are ones without the scales and shells; they are relatively more fattening than the scaly fish. Examples of this are cat fish, mackerel and tuna.
Though fish is exceptionally nourishing and it substitutes a lot of nutrients, few people have seafood allergies. Some are scaly fish allergic while some are non-scaly fish allergic.
For those with allergies, roasting, drying and grilling are the recommended method of cooking, as they reduce fats, odour and irritation which are the major causes of food allergies.
Experts advise that fish should be eaten at least twice in a week; although there is never an overdose of it.
Health benefits of fish
Eating fish, especially shellfish, often is beneficial to the body in many ways. Here are some reasons to introduce a little more variety of fish into your diet.
Reduces heart diseases
People who eat fish well enough have low levels of cardiovascular diseases. Fish is low in saturated fat and high in omega-3, which can protect the heart from disease and lower the amount of cholesterol in the blood.
Clearing the vessels
Eating fish can improve blood circulation, by clearing the blood vessels, and reduce the risk of thrombosis. The omega-3 oils in fish can save your body from having to produce eicosanoids, a hormone-like substance which can make you more likely to suffer from blood clots and inflammation.
Relieves joint problems
Eating fish as a regular part of a balanced diet has been shown to ease the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, a condition which causes the joints to swell. Recent researches have also found a link between omega-3 fats and osteoarthritis, suggesting that eating more seafood could help to prevent the disease.
Longevity of the eyes
Eating oil-rich fish regularly can help to keep the eyes bright and healthy. A recent study has suggested that omega-3 fatty acids can help to shield the eyesight of those suffering from age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition which causes the retina to degenerate and the eyesight to become blurred. Fish and shellfish also contain retinol, a form of vitamin A which boosts night vision.
Provides essential nutrients
Fish provides the body with many essential nutrients which keep it running smoothly – nutrients like iodine, selenium, zinc and potassium. Iodine is important for the thyroid gland, and selenium makes enzymes which help to protect the body against cancer. Fish is also an excellent source of many vitamins, including vitamins A and D.
Prevents life-threatening diseases
A number of studies have indicated that fish and shellfish may help to protect our lungs. Not only does seafood relieve the body from symptoms of asthma in children, eating a lot of fish can also keep the lungs stronger and healthier as you age – in comparison to those who do not eat a lot of fish.
Brightens the skin
Omega-3 helps to protect the skin from the harmful effect of the sun; therefore, eating lots of fish can also help with the symptoms of skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Collagen, the main structural protein of the various connective tissues in animals, keeps the skin firm and flexible.