10 health benefits of eating fish!

Fish is among the healthiest foods to eat. When given a choice to eat red meat or fish, always choose fish as it’s loaded with important nutrients, such as protein and vitamin D. Fish is also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are incredibly important for your body and brain.

Here are 10 health benefits of eating fish:

1. High in important nutrients

Fish is packed with many nutrients that most people are lacking. This includes high-quality protein, iodine, and various vitamins and minerals.

2. May lower your risk of heart attacks and strokes

Heart attacks and strokes are the two most common causes of premature death in the world. Fish is considered one of the most heart-healthy foods you can eat.

3. Contain nutrients that are crucial during development

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for growth and development. For this reason, it’s often recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding women eat enough omega-3 fatty acids.

4. May boost brain health

Your brain function often declines with aging. People who eat more fish have slower rates of mental decline

5. May help prevent and treat depression

Depression is a common mental condition.  It’s characterized by low mood, sadness, decreased energy, and loss of interest in life and activities. Studies have found that people who eat fish regularly are much less likely to become depressed.

6. A good dietary source of vitamin D

Vitamin D functions like a steroid hormone in your body. Fish and prawns are among the best dietary sources of vitamin D.

8. It may help prevent asthma in children

Asthma is a common disease characterized by chronic inflammation of your airways. Studies show that regular fish consumption is linked to a 24% lower risk of asthma in children, but no significant effect has been found in adults.

9. May protect your vision in old age

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision impairment and blindness that mostly affects older adults. Some evidence suggests that fish and omega-3 fatty acids may protect against this disease. In one study, regular fish intake was linked to a 42% lower risk of AMD in women.

10. Fish may improve sleep quality

Sleep disorders have become incredibly common worldwide. Increased exposure to blue light may play a role, but some researchers believe that vitamin D deficiency may also be involved. In a 6-month study in 95 middle-aged men, a meal with salmon 3 times per week led to improvements in both sleep and daily functioning.