Are you consuming fish on a regular basis? If not, read the post below to find out why you should start.
1. Lowers risk of heart disease
In one particular study, It was found that eating one to two servings of fish per week, “reduces risk of coronary death by 36%…and total mortality by 17%.”
Another study found that in men ages 40 to 59, eating meals containing fish once or twice per week reduced their risk of dying from a heart attack by 50%.
2. Reduces inflammation
Inflammation in the body can damage blood vessels and lead to heart disease, eating fish can help reduce this risk.
3. Can lower blood pressure
Eating fish has been shown to have a moderate effect on helping lower blood pressure.
4. Reduce risk of memory loss
Studies show that eating fish as part of a regular diet seem to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
- Of note: fish oil supplements didn’t seem to have a significant effect on limiting Alzheimer’s.
This means you need to eat fish for this benefit, which also likely suggests there are other factors at play.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Much of these benefits are largely attributed to something in fish called Omega-3 fatty acids. They help heart health by decreasing triglycerides, reduce blood clotting, and lower blood pressure slightly.
How often?
Most studies indicate that two servings of fish per week is where the most benefit is seen, particularly fish that’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids. A serving size is 4 ounces, or about the size of a deck of cards.
What kinds of fish?
Good omega-3-rich fish options include:
- Salmon
- Sardine
- Atlantic mackerel
- Cod
- Herring
- Lake trout
- Canned, light tuna
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References:
- https://www.verywellfit.com/eating-fish-lowers-cardiovascular-disease-risk-for-some-5116144
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7468748/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7941252/
- https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2777338
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/8/2278