Health and diet are somethings most of us are fascinated with now days. More and more people are looking for crisper lifestyles, fitness agendas and weight control measures. Each day a new theory hits the stands about which food type to adopt and which to leave. The latest in the research is none other than our friendly and common ‘fish’.
Almost every nutritionist will tell you to consume fish to reach your weight loss and fitness goals. Fish, they say, is the healthiest food you can include in your diet. Up until now, most people thought the reason behind high fish content in diet plans was because of Omega 3 and 6, which is present in large quantities in fish, and is good for the skin. However, there’s more to eating fish than just good skin.
According to a recent study conducted by the Chalmers University of Technology, fish is linked to better long-term neurological health. A certain protein called ‘parvalbumin’ is found in great quantities in different fish species. This protein helps prevent formation of certain protein structures that are closely associated with Parkinson’s disease.
“Parvalbumin collects up the ‘Parkinson’s protein’ and actually prevents it from aggregating, simply by aggregating itself first,” explained Pernilla Wittung-Stafshede, the lead author on the study.
According to Janvi Chitalia, fitness nutritionist and weight management expert, “Another benefit of eating fish is associated with combating depression. A study which compared levels of anxiety and stress showed reduced levels of these parameters in people who had a regular intake of omega3 for 12 weeks.” She further adds that Omega 3 fatty acid plays a big role in improving mental abilities such as improving memory, concentration and reasoning.
Apart from these, there are many other benefits of consuming fish. According to Mumbai-based nutritionist Neha Sahaya, fish is an excellent source of lean protein without saturated fat. “It is also one of those few sources of vitamin D, which is important for the absorption of calcium,” she says.
We know that consuming fish has been linked to better vision. Sahaya explains how. “The brain and eyes are heavily concentrated in omega-3 fatty acids and need them to maintain their health,” she adds.
The point obviously that comes up is that are all kinds of fish good for us? According to Chitalia, oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and sardines are related to prevention of the onset of dementia. Fish varieties such as trout, tuna and salmon are considered to be the healthiest.
Reasons more than sufficient! Looks like the fish is indeed the cure for most ailments!