Eating fish, oily fish and seafood provides our bodies with all of the ingredients that are necessary for a healthy life. They provide your body with Protein, Good Fats, Carbohydrates, Vitamins and Minerals.
Fish Cod |
Oily Fish Mackerel |
Seafood Oysters |
UK Food Standards Agency Recommendations:
The UK Food Standards Agency recommends that everyone should eat two portions of oily fish a week, including one portion of Oily Fish.
They also highlight research that suggests that eating oily fish reduces the risk of death from heart disease.
It is stated that Omega 3 fatty acids are important to the development of the central nervous system in babies, crucially this is both before and after they are born.
* A portion is listed as 140 gms
Source: food standards agency web-site March 2007.
Fish offer us protein. They contain all of the organic acids found in proteins, known as amino acids. Because of their presence, a single 150gm portion of fish or other seafood provides between 50-60% of an adult’s daily requirement.
White fish store their fat in the liver and therefore are low in fat.
Oily fish depending on the season can contain as much as 20% fat, the majority of this fat is polyunsaturated including the Omega 3 fatty acid which actively reduces cholesterol in our blood stream.
Carbohydrate is the source of our daily energy it is an essential component for an active life. Up to 2% of an oily fish will offer carbohydrate this level grows to 3-5% in shellfish.
Fish are a fantastic source of Vitamin B, which is needed for the metabolic processes. They also provide us with iron for red cell formation, iodine essential for the functioning of the thyroid gland, calcium and phosphorous which help promote strong bones and teeth.
In addition, fish contain great levels of niacin, essential for healthy skin and Zinc, which is required for healing wounds.
Oily fish contain rich sources of vitamin A, also known as retinol. It helps strengthen our bodies immune system, aids vision in dim light and contributes to the health of our skin.
In addition, oily fish offers us vitamin D, which is a day soluble vitamin. It is recommended that pregnant women supplement their intake of vitamin D.
Seafood supplies the body with potassium, which stimulates muscles and nerves and aids the control of our blood pressure; they are a natural source of sodium, as well as small quantities of other essential minerals.
