Why fish is good for you.

How much fish do you eat? Most of us eat more beef and mbuzi than white meat - it is healthier, but sadly more expensive.

Substituting some of your Beef and Mbuzi days to Fish is one of the best steps you can take in achieving a healthier lifestyle for you and your children. Fish are packed with vitamins and nutrients and research shows that eating fish has numerous health benefits for those with various ailments- they are an excellent source of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, low in fat, very high in protein, iron, calcium, Vitamin B12, magnesium... the list goes on.

Omega-3 fatty Acids are founds in very tiny quantities in some plants, none produced by the human body but it is found in plenty in fish. Omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for the key development and growth of the human body. In its right quantities, it is said to have major effects on your health and prevention of diseases.

• Cancer; research has shown that those who eat fish at least twice a week have a lesser chance of developing certain cancers especially prostate cancers, than those who did not eat any fish at all.
• Heart disease; eating fish on a regular can help prevent heart disease. Fat levels called Triglycerides in the blood are lowered by Fish- raised levels can cause heart attacks, strokes etc. The fish oils also help to heal the heart after a stroke or a heart attack by reducing blood clots, inflammation, lowering blood pressure and raises the 'good fat' levels in the heart.
• Brain damage; The fatty acids found in fish contribute to the health and development of brain tissue and the retina behind the eye. They also prevent certain brain cells from damage. this can help prevent, dementia and Alzheimer's.
• Diabetes; fish oils reduce blood sugar levels as well, helping those with diabetes balance their sugar levels the healthy way while taking medication.
• Pregnancy & breastfeeding; Pregnant women are encouraged to eat fish as it helps prevent the chances of premature labor. mothers who are best feeding can transmit Omega-3 fatty acids to their babies which in turn helps to improve the babies eyesight. as said earlier, fish oils help in maintaining the health of our retinas.
• Inflammatory conditions; Arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriasis etc are reduced by eating fish regularly -  iron, calcium, magnesium and Omega-3 acids are good for strengthening and maintenance of bone structure and help to reduce the inflammatory effects that the diseases bring.
• Asthma / Colds & Flu's; The best remedy to give your child as they grow are fish oils. These help to maintain the child's health, especially if they are prone to colds and flu's and kids who eat fish are less likely to get asthma.

To get the best results from fish, have it about twice a week and you would rather bake, poach, steam or grill the fish, rather that fry it- you just add the bad fats to your meal, thus end up doing more harm than good. 

A point to note, Mercury is dangerous for humans. Certain Fish contain more mercury than others (Sharks, Marlins...and others I didn't know exist or could be eaten..) this is especially important for expectant women, Consult your doctor first before you plunge into a fish eating frenzy.

Have a fishy weekend!