7 HEALTH BENEFITS TO EATING FISH
Think you can name a better food than fish?
Well, you can try.
But when it comes to taste, variety, accessibility, quick preparation and health benefits there’s nothing better if you ask us.
Not only are there different types of fish, but you can also prepare it in many different ways.
Fish is like the chicken of the sea. You can boil it, broil it, fry it, bake it, grill it etc., you name it. The best part about it is there's something for everyone!
Here are our top 7 health benefits to eating fish:
1. Skin Protection
Omega-3 is a fatty acid that is one of the “good” types of fat for our bodies. High levels of Omega-3 are typically found in fattier fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines, anchovies and herring.Our bodies can’t make these fatty acids, so to get them we must either eat them or take supplements.
The Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish help boost collagen. Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in our bodies. It’s a major component to our skin and muscles. One of the biggest ways it helps our skin is strengthening it so it can protect us. A boost in collagen production also provides a degree of protection from harmful UV rays.
2. Hair Growth
Collagen also helps for healthier hair. It plays a huge role in renewing cells and maintaining the strength and elasticity of our hair. Collagen also supports hair growth.
The best fish choices are cold-water species with high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, tuna, sardines, anchovies and herring. In addition to Omega-3 boosting collagen, vitamin B12 and iron is also incredibly healthy for our hair.
3. Seeing the Hook in Eating Fish
Macular degeneration is one of the leading cause of vision loss among people age 50 and older. It causes damage to the macula, which is a small spot near the center of the retina in the eye. The retina allows us to see objects straight ahead with sharp, clear, vision.
Studies have shown that fish and Omega-3 fatty acids may provide protection against this disease.One study in particular found that eating fatty fish once per week was linked to a 53% decreased risk of neovascular macular degeneration.
4. Mind, Brain and Behavior
As we age, our brain begins to slow down. As it slows down it’s prone to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. It’s been said that people who eat more fish have slower rates of cognitive decline. Eating fish may help maintain the grey matter in the brains.
Grey matter is the tissue in our brain that contains the neurons in charge of processing information and storing memories. Those who eat fish once a week show more grey matter in the centers of the brain regulating emotion and memory.
5. Hearty Hearts
Heart attacks are the most common causes of premature death in the world, but eating fish is generally considered to be among the best foods you can eat for a healthy heart.
The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least twice a week. Omega-3 fatty acids benefit the heart of healthy people, and those who are at high risk – or who have – cardiovascular disease. It can decrease risk of arrhythmias (abnormal heartbeats), which lead to sudden death and decrease triglyceride levels, slow growth rate of atherosclerotic plaque and lower blood pressure.
The American Heart Association also recommends increasing the intake of Omega-3 through diet with food rather than supplements.
6. Happy Days
Depression is one of the most common mental illness in the United States. It is characterized by low mood, sadness, decreased energy and loss of interest in life and activities. Although it isn't talked about nearly as much as heart disease or obesity, depression is currently one of the world's biggest health problems.
Those who eat fish regularly are less likely to become depressed. Numerous controlled trials have also found that Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial against depression and significantly increase the effectiveness of antidepressant medications.
Interestingly enough, eating fish can literally make you a happier person and decrease the likelihood of depression. Fish and Omega-3 fatty acids are also linked to helping those with other mental disorders, such as bipolar disorder.
7. Catching those Zzz's
Sleep disorders are very popular worldwide. Many factors can cause these disorders this such as stress. There are some factors we can’t control, but then there are some we can like increased exposure to blue light at night and taking care of our bodies.
Eating fatty fish like salmon and herring which have high amounts of vitamin D can improve our sleep quality. In a 6-month study of 95 middle-aged men, a meal with salmon three times per week led to improvements in both sleep and daily functioning.
One serving of cooked salmon contains the recommended amount of intake of vitamin D a week. Some fish oils, such as cod liver oil, are also very high in vitamin D providing more than enough in a single tablespoon.
Thanks for reading!
The Bubba Crew