The relationship between fish and health benefits has been known for some time. Having said this, there are still some important variables to discuss if you are hoping to include more servings of fish within a well-balanced diet. What types of nutrients are contained within fish? Are some species better than others in terms of weight loss? Is it safe to consume fish on a daily basis? Let’s examine these practical concerns in greater detail.
Is Fish Healthier than Meat?
To be clear, there are many health benefits associated with meat. The two most pronounced involve the high concentrations of iron found within read meat as well as the fact that meat is an excellent source of protein and amino acids.
However, one particular drawback is associated with meats that are relatively high in saturated fat. Common examples include lamb, pork and beef. Furthermore, Many meats contain a high number of calories per serving. This is obviously detrimental for those who are hoping to lose weight.
Fish and lean meats such as chicken breast are unique in terms of their decidedly lean nature. Not only do these offer fewer calories per portion, but they are low in saturated fats. This is beneficial in terms of overall cardiovascular health. Another crucial takeaway point is that fish contains ample levels of omega-3 fatty acids. These are categorized as “healthy” fats and they are capable of lowering elevated levels of cholesterol within the bloodstream. This is why fish with omega 3 fatty acids are often preferred by those who wish to keep conditions such as high blood pressure in check.
How Much Protein Does Fish Have?
In terms of protein, how much does a typical serving of fish offer? This depends on the type of fish that you wish to consume. For example, 100 grams of cooked Atlantic salmon will offer 22 grams of high-quality protein. Most finned fish likewise contain between 16 and 26 grams of protein per serving. Let’s no break these fish proteins down in terms of recommended daily intake:
- Between 29 and 46 per cent for a man.
- Between 35 and 57 per cent for a woman.
Some common species of fish that offer these amounts include (but are not limited to) haddock, cod, catfish, ocean perch, and swordfish. Of course, personal tastes will play a role when making the most appropriate decision.
What Type of Fish Offers the Most Health Benefits?
There is no single species of fish that will provide you with the most health advantages. However, these top three choices are generally thought to supply your body with ample amounts of vitamins and minerals:
- Wild-caught salmon.
- Atlantic mackerel.
- Sardines.
It can nonetheless be argued that salmon is often the preferred choice due to the high levels of omega-3 fatty acids that a standard serving contains. Many individuals also prefer the taste of salmon when compared to other varieties.
Is it Wise to Eat Fish Every Day?
One interesting question involves how often fish should be consumed. This primarily arises from the fact that fish contain appreciable amounts of mercury. In severe cases, it may even be possible to be diagnosed with mercury poisoning. However, this is extremely rare. We should still point out that some types of fish contain more mercury than others. These include:
- Shark.
- Ray.
- Swordfish.
- Gemfish.
The good news is that these species are generally rare in terms of their commercial availability. Scientists also tend to agree that it is actually much better to consume fish on a daily basis when compared to eating the same quantities of red meat.
Part of a Healthy and Active Lifestyle
Obtaining high-quality fish proteins is an excellent way to “fuel” your muscles for whatever the day may have in store. As fish is also high in heart-friendly omega-3 fatty acids, most individuals will also be able to keep their cholesterol in check. Of course, always make it a point to experiment with different recipes in order to discover the species that you find the most appealing.
When combined with other weight-loss strategies such as the use of the Spatz3 adjustable gastric balloon, fish can become a potent tool within your arsenal for long-term success. The fish health benefits outlined within this article cannot be denied and as further research is carried out, even more advantages should emerge.
