Are you fond of eating fish? If yes, then you must know how nutritious the fish is! Usually, people use the body of a fish for consumption and throw away its head. However, the reality is that the head of the fish is much more nutritious than the body of the fish. A fish head is rich in many vitamins, minerals and healthy fats (and are one of the healthiest foods for your health). Some people find fish head very delicious.Onlymyhealth editorial team talked to Dr. Anjali Phatak, Director Nutripulse and Senior Clinical Nutritionist, Nutripulse, Jaipur, about the nutritional value and health benefits of eating a fish head.
Fish head nutritive value
According to Dr. Anjali, here is the nutritive value of fish head in per 100 grams:
- Calories- 206
- Total fat- 12g
- Saturated fat- 2.5g
- Cholesterol- 63mg
- Sodium- 61mg
- Potassium- 384
- Total carbohydrate- 0g
- Protein- 22g
Health benefits of fish head
As per Dr. Anjali, here are the health benefits of eating fish:
1. Healthy proteins
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The fish head is a rich source of healthy proteins. Saturated fat is in lesser amounts in fish head as compared to other meat products. So, eating it does not increase your cholesterol levels. If you consume fish instead of red meat, then you are at a very low risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke.
2. Good source of omega 3 fatty acids
Fish head contains a good amount of Omega 3 fatty acids. The body of the fish has more Omega 3 fatty acids than its body. These fatty acids protect you from heart diseases. All the research claim that diets containing Omega 3 fatty acids reduce the cholesterol in your body and lowers the risk of heart diseases like heart attack, stroke, irregular heartbeats etc.
Also Read:Fish lovers, beware! Do not eat these fish breeds if you wish to stay healthy
3. Beneficial for the eyes and brain
Fish head and brain are also rich sources of vitamin A. Therefore, having it is beneficial for your eyes as well as brain. Vitamin A improves your vision and helps to keep the eyes healthy for a long time. Vitamin A can help in boosting your immunity too. In fact, being a natural antioxidant, vitamin A fights free radicals and reduces oxidative stress.
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4. Depression and mental health
Research suggests that taking a diet that contains Omega 3 fatty acids and DHA keeps the brain healthy and protects against mental illnesses such as stress, depression. Since Omega-3 fatty acids cannot be made by your own body, it is necessary to consume such foods that contain Omega-3 fatty acids. Fishhead contains a good amount of omega 3 fatty acids, which can be beneficial for your health.
Also read:8 Pros And Cons Of Consuming Fish And Healthy Ways To Incorporate It In Your Diet
5. Diabetes and arthritis
It is also beneficial for patients with diabetes and arthritis due to the many essential nutrients present in the fishhead. Having fish head increases your metabolism as well as immunity. Apart from this, eating fish head also reduces the risk of autoimmune diseases.
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