Health Benefits of Fish
(Photo : Health Benefits of Fish)

Fish is one of the most appreciated types of meat because it has been linked to lowering blood pressure and triglycerides and because it can reduce the risks of heart disease and strokes. It is also rich in omega 3 fatty acids, minerals and proteins, which is the reason why nutritionists recommend that you integrate fish into your weekly meals.

It can help you sleep better

If you find it difficult to fall asleep at night, some studies suggest that eating fish can help you get better sleep. A study published in 2014 by The Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine indicates that fish consumption can improve one's quality of sleep.

The reason why this works has a lot to do with the fact that fish is rich in vitamin D. Numerous research studies have shown that having vitamin D in your blood can lower the risks of sleep disturbances and it can, overall, provide you with a night of deep and relaxing sleep.

In general, vitamin D is found in very few food sources and, as a result, many adults suffer from vitamin D deficiency. 

It can help alleviate rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is often considered a silent condition. In the US, there are over 1.3 million adults who are suffering from this disease. Some of the main common signs of the disease are joint stiffness, fatigue, loss of appetite, and tender and swollen joints.

The American College of Rheumatology published a study that indicates that eating fish can help alleviate swelling and pain often associated with this disease.

It is good for your heart

Heart disease is currently the leading cause of death in the US. To put this into perspective, every 37 seconds, a person dies as a result of cardiovascular disease. A good way to make sure that your heart is healthy is by consuming fish. 

Because fish is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, moderate consumption can help you maintain a healthy heart because these acids can lower your blood pressure. 

If you are considering increasing your omega-3 consumption by taking it in pill form, you should know that there are a couple of side effects that you might have to deal with, including diarrhea and an upset stomach. Additionally, these pills can also interfere with your blood thinners, allergies and, in rare cases, it can cause vitamin A toxicity.

Before you purchase and take any supplements, it is highly recommended that you talk to your healthcare provider. 

It boosts brain health

Mild mental decline is normal. However, if you worry about serious neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, you can boost your brain's health by eating fish - here you can find some herring recipes that you can try. Numerous observational studies have indicated that people who eat fish have slower rates of mental decline.

According to a study conducted by the National Institutes of Health, it seems like people who eat fish have more gray matter in those parts of the brain that regulate memory and emotions. 

When eaten by adolescents aged 14 to 15, fish has also been shown to boost concentration and attention spans.  

Other benefits 

Finding safe and effective methods to alleviate PMS symptoms has always been a concern among specialists. Omega 3 might reduce the somatic and psychiatric symptoms of PMS such as depression, anxiety, lack of concentration, bloating, breast tenderness and nervousness. 

Eating for survival and eating for performance are two distinct things. The diets of athletes are performance-based and they focus on providing them with sources of protein. Fish is a type of meat that is high in protein, and low in fat. Plus, every training that athletes go through involves a certain level of muscle damage and soreness. 

It comes as no surprise that eating fish can also help athletes recover from fatigue and it can help with muscle regeneration because it reduces the level of inflammation.

Beware of possible risks

Even though most people only speak of fish as a wonder food, it should be pointed out that there are also risks that one exposes himself/herself to when consuming it. For one, the fish that you buy might contain pollutants or high levels of mercury that can affect the development of your brain. Therefore, you should only purchase fish from trusted sources.