WE all know fish is good for you.
White, red, oily or clean cut, the ocean’s food is full of surprising health benefits. But what are they exactly? How can fishy meals help your body, and what can you do to fit more of them into your regular diet? Let’s break down four common fish and their body-boosting qualities, from childhood classics to newcomers with adventurous twists.
First and foremost: Old faithful – the classic cod
Whether it’s from chowing down a battered fillet with salt and vinegar chips on a Friday night or through munching on a lunchtime fishcake, we all know this classic contender. Cod is one of Britain’s ‘big five,’ and many people’s go-to seafood. So what can this little white fish help with? Well, it’s absolutely packed full of vitamin B-12, B-6 and the buzz-word omega-3 fatty acids, all of which help to support a regular and happy heart. Cod has also been shown to help lower blood pressure, lower your risk of certain cancers and lessen the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
Next up: The seabass
While this little fellow isn’t as common as cod, it’s still plenty tasty and there are some great ways to fit it into your diet if you’ve never tried it before. One recipe from Deliveroo serves seabass with tahini sauce, parsley and lemon for fish with a Lebanese twist. Pound for pound, seabass is absolutely bursting with positive vitamins and minerals, all needed to maintain normal body function. With low levels of total fat, high omega-3 numbers and a good amount of protein, seabass is a fantastic addition to any balanced diet. Seabass can help brain function, slow ageing and provide a natural boost to your mood when eaten regularly.
Craving something a little different? Try calamari
Some might squirm at the first sign of squid on their plate, but don’t turn your nose up just yet. There are plenty of ways to prepare this rubbery dish so as to please everyone’s palate – from deep fried to battered in chilli breadcrumbs – and it comes with plenty of health benefits in addition to its great taste. Calamari, however it’s served, is a great dose of calcium, a key component in the health of your bones and teeth. It also has good levels of phosphorus, zinc and vitamin C, the last two being vital to a healthy immune system. If you’re doing some home frying, why not give calamari a go?
The world’s favourite: Salmon
So, salmon. This red devil is the most popular fish in the UK, as well as one of the most popular in the world, and it’s not without good reason. It’s reasonably priced, absolutely delicious and does great things for your body and mind. Like cod, salmon comes with a punch of omega-3 fatty acids and B-vitamins, as well as high levels of potassium, selenium and vitamin D. It’s got protein, is low in calories and fits well with breakfast, lunch or dinner. Some studies have also shown that Salmon can help with both anxiety and depression in some cases. Basically, whichever you look at it, salmon deserves its place at the top of the fishy food chain.
Convinced yet?
Head on out and get some fish in the oven. Just two portions a week is all it takes, and your body will love you for it.
