At 44 Foods we love our fish. It’s delicious, easy to prepare and has plenty of health benefits too.
When it comes to food superstars, fish is a real contender for all-round champion. High in protein, low in fat, it’s among the healthiest foods on the planet.
Here are six reasons why you should make sure fish is a regular part of your diet.
1) It may reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes
Studies show that people who eat fish regularly have a lower risk of heart attacks, strokes, and death from heart disease. And researchers believe fatty types of fish are even better for heart health, because they’re high in omega-3 fatty acid.
2) Fish contains important nutrients for development
Another benefit of omega-3 fatty acids is their role in how we grow – especially our brain and eye development. That’s why experts often recommend omega-3 fatty acids for pregnant and breast-feeding women.
Some fish – such as shark, swordfish or marlin – contain more mercury than other fish. Children, pregnant women and women who are trying to get pregnant should avoid eating these, and instead opt for low-mercury fish, like salmon, sardines, pollock, flounders, trout and cod.
3) Eating fish may help your mental health
According to the boffins, people who eat more fish are less likely to become depressed and have slower rates of mental decline. Research also shows that people who eat fish each week have more grey matter – tissue that processes information – in the areas of the brain that regulate emotion and memory. No wonder we’re happier when we’re eating fish!
4) It’s a good source of vitamin D
Vitamin D helps regulate the amount of calcium and phosphate in our bodies.
These nutrients are needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. The body creates vitamin D from direct sunlight on the skin when outdoors. But between October and early March, we don’t get enough vitamin D from sunlight and instead we can get it from a small number of foods, including oily fish like salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel.
5) It may reduce your risk of some diseases
Eating fish that’s high in omega-3 has been linked to a reduced risk of type 1 diabetes in children, as well as a form of autoimmune diabetes in adults. Eating fish regularly may also reduce the risk of asthma in children.
6) It may protect your vision in old age
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of vision impairment and blindness that mostly affects older adults. Some evidence suggests that fish and omega-3 fatty acids may protect against this disease.
And finally…
The NHS recommends including at least two portions of fish a week, including one of oily fish, to maintain a healthy, balanced diet. If you’d like to find out more about the health benefits of fish, you can take a look on its website. So it’s not just tasty and versatile, it’s also fabulously good for you.
We bring most of our fish fresh from the markets which are now closed for Christmas. The first available date for fish delivery is Friday 8th January. Take a look at the great options available here.
