15 Things You Need To Know About Cooking & Eating Fish
Fish is one of those foods that is a definite staple in some people’s diets, and in others, it doesn’t exist at all. No matter where you are on the spectrum of consuming fish, it’s important to be aware of some facts first. While fish is extremely healthy for you, it is key to know which fish options are the best and why they’re good for you. On the opposite end, you also should know what to stay away from.
1. Fish Is Full Of Healthy Fats
When you eat fish, know that you are improving so many aspects of your body with those healthy fats! Omega-3 fatty acids are very present in fish and are extremely beneficial to your health.
Omega-3 fatty acids help improve your cognitive functioning (which is never a bad thing) as well as helping everything in your body function smoothly. Your body does not naturally have these healthy fats so eating some fish is definitely a good thing.
2. Eating Fish Lowers Your Risk of Heart Attack & Stroke
Can you believe this? Eating fish actually can contribute to lowering your risk of heart attack and stroke. With so many healthy components in higher fat fish, this is just one of the positive benefits of eating fish.
The healthy fatty acids contribute to maintaining and promoting a healthy heart which can reduce your chances of experiencing extreme heart dysfunctions such as heart attacks and strokes.
3. It Has Anti-Aging Properties
As you get older, your body starts to get worn down from all that life you have lived. Eating fish throughout your lifetime that is rich in healthy fats is one way you can slow down the aging process.
Some benefits of eating fish include reducing your chances of developing Alzheimer’s and reducing your chances of getting arthritis.
4. Fish Can Prevent Depression
Depression plagues so many individuals of all ages and stages. The amazing thing about fish is due to its healthy fats it can actually help those with depression.
Specifically, the omega-3 fatty acids can actually increase the effectiveness of anti-depressant drugs when individuals are working on remedying their depression.
5. Fish Is High In Vitamin D
If you’re looking for an ideal source of vitamin D, look no further. Fish is one of the absolute best sources of vitamin D which has so many incredible benefits.
Vitamin D is actually called a pro-hormone and helps promote healthy bones, reduce your chances of getting the flu and even cancer.
6. It Can Boost A Children’s Brain Power
Not only does fish help prevent your little ones’ brain from deteriorating as they get older, but it actually helps improves their brain function in ways that you may not even realize.
The omega-3 fatty acids help improve their brain power and development, as well as easing symptoms of ADHD naturally.
7. It’s Best Thawed In Water
Thawing fish in the microwave is very ineffective as it makes the meat go limp and contributes to a lack of flavor when the dish is prepared.
To thaw fish, you can place it in a sink filled with ice water and let it thaw out slowly but without reducing the quality of the food.
8. There Are Pregnancy Restrictions
Eating two to three servings of fish such as salmon or haddock for pregnant women is actually very beneficial for the developing baby even though some say to steer clear.
Fish to stay away from are King Mackerel, Shark, Tilefish, Bigeye Tuna, Orange Roughy, Marlin and Swordfish.
9. There’s Wild vs. Farmed
Wild salmon are fish that have been caught the old-fashioned way. Going to where the salmon are and catching them in their natural habits. If you don’t catch them, they will continue on living as a free fish.
Farmed salmon are farmed in open net-cages in the ocean where they are specifically bred to be eaten. They tend to have significantly higher calories but the same amount of healthy fats as wild salmon.
10. It’s Not That Complicated To Cook
We are always hearing about how wonderful salmon is for you but what if we have never cooked it before? If you’re looking to start cooking fish, salmon is an extremely versatile option that can be cooked in just about any form, but here is how to cook it in your oven.
Simply preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Place your salmon in a greased pan with the skin facing down. You can season with some salt, pepper and garlic. For a sweet twist, add a touch of maple syrup and dijon mustard. Cook in the oven for 12-15 minutes without any flipping, and you’re done!
11. It Can Help Your Sleep Quality
A large portion of people in the United States are deficient in vitamin D, which can disrupt the quality of sleep you may be getting each night.
It has been shown that eating fish about three times a week can help improve your quality of sleep and in turn improve your daily functioning. How incredible is that?!
12. It May Reduce Asthma
Asthma is extremely present in North American society today for a variety of reasons, but the main area of focus is how to help children have a lower chance of getting asthma.
If children are eating fish regularly, it has been shown that it actually lowers their risk of getting asthma significantly. A simple menu change at home can mean a lifetime of wellness.
13. Fish Improves Hair and Skin
Healthy fats can help improve your skin and hair, but a lot of people don’t realize that the fat in salmon and other omega-3 fatty acid-rich fish is that incredible good fat that you want to eat!
If you are eating fish regularly, your hair and skin may actually reflect it! It can improve your hair by making it extremely nourished and shiny.
14. Some People Eat Poisonous Fish
If you see fugu on the menu, please, do not eat it! While this is a Japanese delicacy, Fugu is a blowfish that is more deadly than cyanide and any little mistake in the preparation of this fish could actually kill you.
In Japan, there are very specific chefs who will prepare this fish in a way that does not prove to be fatal, but it will cost you! Fugu starts at about $120 but you have to pay more depending on the chef preparing it. Let’s just say it’s not worth it.
15. There’s Mercury In Almost All Fish
When eating fish, it’s important to note that mercury is present in almost all fish. If you are feeding little ones or are pregnant, mercury can damage the brain and nerves if it is consumed too much.
Stick with salmon and canned tuna as good sources of fish that aren’t saturated with mercury and ensure that you’re eating it at a maximum of three times a week.
source - https://www.forkly.com/food/15-things-you-need-to-know-about-eating-fish/