Health Benefits of Fish

Fish are an overlooked food source for many people. There are dozens of varieties of fish, with a variety of flavors and cooking styles to suit any taste.

Eating fish is a great alternative to eating red meat, potentially providing a broad range of health benefits — from heart health to improved symptoms of depression.

The vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids in fish can provide significant health benefits. The vitamin B12 found in fish is crucial for the growth of healthy red blood cells, DNA reproduction, and nerve function. Consuming enough vitamin B12 is linked to a lower risk of dementia and heart disease. A lack of vitamin B12 is also connected to problems like chronic fatigue and anemia.
Other health benefits of fish include:


Improved Brain Health

Fish are rich in a type of fat known as omega fatty acids. These fats are important for maintaining brain health. Having a low blood level of omega-3 fatty acids has been connected to accelerated brain aging, including symptoms like memory loss and cognitive impairment. In fact, these low levels of omega fatty acids have been linked to brain shrinkage during aging.

Lower Risk of Heart Disease

Omega fatty acids have also been connected to a lower risk of heart disease. Omega-3 fatty acids appear to be connected to preventing and reducing coronary heart disease when consumed regularly. These fatty acids minimize coronary plaque, lower triglyceride levels, and can even help reduce blood pressure

Fish are a great source of protein, which is critical to maintaining healthy muscles, organs, and blood vessels. Protein helps support cell division, hair growth, and even hormone signaling. It’s used by every system of the body in one way or another.

 

Nutrients per Serving 

Depending on the species, fish can have varying levels of nutrients. The most significant difference is fat content: species like salmon and tuna are considered fatty, while cod and catfish are lean. This leads to variation in the calories you can expect. A standard 3 ounce serving of baked herring contains the