8 Health Benefits of Eating Fish That You Probably Didn’t Know About

July 9, 2021

Written by Doug LeBlanc

July 9, 2021

Written by Doug LeBlanc

Are you looking to cut down on your carbs or lose weight? Are you wondering about the advantages of eating fish?

Many folks know that fish can supply lean protein that makes you feel full without packing on the pounds. Yet the benefits of eating fish extend beyond that. You may be surprised at just how healthy and happy you'll be once you add some quality fillets to your diet.

Here's what you need to know about the benefits of eating seafood.

1. Preventing Depression

Believe it or not, an estimated 16.2 million American adults have at least one major depressive episode each year. Depression involves feelings of sadness or helplessness. It can cause you to lose interest in activities you once enjoyed.

Depression can also affect your physical health, making you more likely to become ill. It can lead to fatigue, insomnia, and increased sensitivity to pain.

The Omega 3's in fish may actually help to prevent the onset of depression and to help relieve symptoms once it starts. These are polyunsaturated fats found in fish such as salmon, trout, and tuna.

Omega 3's may actually travel through brain cell membranes and interact with mood-related molecules. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that can help control depression.

The relief of depression symptoms can lead to more energy and an improved lifestyle. If you're looking to feel better, consider adding some quality fish to your diet.

2. Stay Sharper

Believe it or not, your brain also uses Omega 3's to help build nerve cells. These are very important for memory and learning. Fatty acids can also help to preserve the health of cell membranes and facilitate communication between brain cells.

Some research suggests that women who take fish oil while pregnant have children who score higher on intelligence tests. In other studies, it has been found to improve brain function in older adults who suffer from cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer's disease.

If you want your brain to stay in tip-top shape, consider adding some lean fish to your regular diet. Grilled or baked, it's low in unhealthy fats and a great way to get the protein your body needs.

3. Vitamin D

Some fish, particularly salmon, can provide your body with 100% of your recommended daily allowance of Vitamin D. It's also abundant in herring and tuna.

Vitamin D helps your body to absorb calcium and promotes healthy bone growth. It may also help prevent conditions such as cancer, depression, and diabetes. Vitamin D can also help regulate your immune system, making you less susceptible to common illnesses such as the flu.

Not getting enough Vitamin D can lead to fatigue, mood changes, and muscle weakness. If you want your body to be at its healthiest, you'll need to get the right amount of Vitamin D each day. And healthy fish can play an important role in keeping you in tip-top shape.

4. Great Source of Protein

Fish such as halibut, haddock, and flounder are great sources of high-quality, low-fat protein. Another great option for this is salmon.

Our bodies require protein to help repair cells and create new ones. It can also help you to digest food and regulate hormones.

If you're looking to lose weight, your body will need lots of protein to help you get stronger. It can help you to build muscle mass and keep you feeling fuller longer. Protein can also help your body to repair itself after exercise.

Not getting enough protein can slow down your metabolism, making it more difficult to lose weight. It can also lead to anemia, which will make you feel tired. Thinning hair, brittle nails, and dry skin are also signs that you may need to increase your protein intake.

If you're looking to get the right amount of protein so you can stay healthy and maintain a healthy weight, regular servings of fish are a great way to start.

5. Vitamin B

Fish such as salmon and tuna are also wonderful sources of Vitamin B. Our bodies need B-Vitamins to help with immune function and brain health. In fact, memory, problem-solving, and sentence formation can all improve with an increase in B-Vitamins in your bloodstream.

Not getting enough B vitamins can lead to tiredness, constipation, and a loss of appetite. If you want to remain in the best shape possible, add some Vitamin B-rich fish to your diet.

6. Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease

An increase in Omega 3's in your blood may also help to protect you against heart disease. This is because they reduce the number of triglycerides, or bad cholesterol, in your blood. Omega 3's can also help to slow the buildup of plaque, which can harden and block arteries.

7. Decrease Risk of Stroke

Blocked arteries and bursting blood vessels are common causes of a stroke. Eating fish can lead to a significant decrease in your risk of having one. Aim for two servings of non-fried fish each week.

8. Lose Weight

Believe it or not, eating lean fish can make it easier to lose weight. This is because it's high in protein but low in calories. Fish can also help you to cut down on your fat intake and keep your blood sugar stable.