Benefits of eating fresh fish

 Improves brain health

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

– Lower risk of heart disease

Omega-3 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 minimise coronary plaque, lower triglyceride levels, and can even help reduce blood pressure.

– Fish is high in protein and low in fat

Fish provides protein to the body. While having less “bad” fat content than other protein options, like red meat. For this reason and others, fish is an important part of the Mediterranean diet, which studies have shown is the best diet for heart health.

– Fish is full of vitamins and minerals

Eating fish provides us with important B vitamins, vitamin E, vitamin A and vitamin D, plus minerals like calcium, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, copper, potassium and selenium.

– Promotes baby’s brain development during preg­nancy

The omega-3 fatty acid DHA is an important building block of the brain, eyes and nerves for babies growing in the womb. Once they’re born, babies receive DHA and other essential nutrients for growth from breast milk, as long as their mothers continue to eat fish.

Studies show children benefit developmentally in this way when their moms eat about 2-3 servings of fish per week during pregnancy and while breastfeeding (with a serving being a four-ounce portion).

Source:healthpartners.com