If you must ever laugh at fish and claim they’re bogus in remedying the sick, you must as well be aware that a lot of herrings can get along with a few doctors.
Fish and their oils do not provide useless remedies for diseases. In fact, they provide promising dietary nutrients your body needs every now and then.
Eating a mere ounce of fish may provide you with pharmaceutical remedies that protect you against a myriad of diseases.
Pharmaceutical fish and their potent oil
Fish are aquatic animals that live in various bodies of water, such as oceans, rivers, and lakes. They are an important food source for humans and are consumed worldwide.
Fish oil is a dietary supplement that is derived from the tissues of oily fish. It is typically extracted by processing the whole fish or specific fish parts, such as the liver. Fish oil is particularly known for its high content of omega-3 fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
Examples of fish with high nutritional value, especially with Omega-3 fatty acids, are,
- Mackerel
- Salmon( Atlantic, Coho, Pink, and Chum)
- Bluefish
- Tuna( Albacore, Bluefin)
- Sturgeon
- Sablefish
- Herring
- Anchovy
- Sardines
- Trout
Dietary constituents of fish
Both medical texts and folklore have recommended fish to the ordinary man for centuries. Fish possess diverse dietary compounds that pull strings against diseases dependent on immune system responses. These dietary chemicals are;
- Protein: Fish is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, as well as for the production of enzymes, hormones, and other molecules in the body.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Fish, particularly fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and trout, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fats have been linked to numerous health benefits, including heart health, brain function, and reduced inflammation.
- Vitamins: Fish contains various vitamins, including vitamin D, vitamin B12, and vitamin A. Vitamin D is important for bone health, immune function, and calcium absorption. Vitamin B12 is essential for red blood cell production and neurological function. Vitamin A is crucial for vision, immune function, and cell growth.
- Minerals: Fish is a good source of minerals such as iodine, selenium, zinc, and magnesium. Iodine is essential for thyroid function, while selenium acts as an antioxidant and supports immune function. Zinc is involved in various enzymatic reactions and supports immune health. Magnesium is necessary for bone health, energy production, and muscle function.
- Iron: Some types of fish, especially shellfish like clams, mussels, and oysters, are good sources of iron. Iron is necessary for the production of red blood cells and the transport of oxygen throughout the body.
- Calcium: Certain small fish, like sardines, are eaten with their bones, which are a good source of calcium. Calcium is important for strong bones and teeth, as well as for muscle function and nerve transmission.
Fish oil capsules
These are capsules made from fish oil and they are highly concentrated with Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin D, Vitamin A, and fat-soluble vitamins.
They provide therapeutic remedies. However, scientists advise that doses of fish oil should be taken sparingly and cautiously, as they could block normal blood clotting and lead to excessive bleeding.
Asthma and psoriasis antidotes
Fish oil is known to bring fantastic relief in some cases of immune cell overreactions. For example, asthma and psoriasis appear to be inflammatory diseases in which leukotrienes and skin epidermis, respectively get out of hand.
A study has shown that Omega-3 fish oils provide rejuvenation and stability to both skin cells and leukotrienes.
High blood pressure management
Eating fish like mackerel can lower blood pressure. Mackerel is believed by scientists to possess fairly high amounts of sodium, which seemingly provides blood-pressure-boasting abilities
A landmark study from the Netherlands in 1985 found that eating a scant amount of fish can ward off heart diseases.
In their study, they found that in one town, residents who ate at least an ounce of fish a day had a fifty percent lower risk of fatal heart attacks than those eating no fish.
Cancer prevention
Fish and their oils are frontiers when it comes to the regulation of cancer. Fish oils are believed to squelch the overproduction of prostaglandins from arachidonic acid, which is thought to promote the metastasis of cancer.
There is also evidence that dietary compounds present in fish oil block the synthesis of prostaglandin, which in turn inhibits the growth of breast cancer.
Other possible therapeutic benefits of fish and their oils
- Increases mental energy
- Stops migraine headaches
- Combats early kidney diseases
- Reduces the risk of lupus
- Lessens symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
Consumer Caution
Beware that Omega-3 fish oil capsules can aggravate diabetes by producing a steep rise in blood sugar and a drop in insulin production.
Also, you must note that some freshwater fish, such as catfish, may be contaminated with chlorinated pesticides and industrial chemicals.