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6 reasons to start eating fatty fish today

6 reasons to start eating fatty fish today

Here are top health benefits of eating fatty fish.

Written by Shraddha Rupavate |Updated : March 10, 2014 10:55 PM IST

Fatty fishAccording to a new study by researchers at the University of Eastern Finland, increased intake of fatty fish (three to four times in a week) can boost good cholesterol levels and provide protection against heart diseases. Study participants who increased their intake of fatty fish (without added butter or cream) showed positive changes in lipid metabolism. They had raised levels of large high density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol particles in their blood compared to those who ate fish less frequently.

Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel and sardines are high in omega-3 fatty acids and low in saturated fats. And omega-3 fats are beneficial for heart in several ways. They are known to prevent arrhythmia, reduce the risk of blood clotting, decrease the levels of triglycerides and reduce blood pressure. These positive effects are seen only with the consumption of fatty fish. Study researchers doubt whether other low-fat fish like zander and perch would have shown a similar kind of effect on the levels of cholesterol. Not just protection against heart diseases, eating fatty fish has been associated with an array of health benefits:

1. Reduces the risk of dementia: Although the role of fatty fish in reducing the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's is debatable, there are several studies which have supported the possibility. One of the studies by Huang TL and colleagues showed that consumption of fatty fish (more than twice per week) was associated with reduced risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

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2. Reduces inflammation: Poly unsaturated and omega-3 fats from fish play an important role in regulating inflammatory conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and autoimmune diseases like psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis.

3. Fights depression: Omega-3 fatty acids offer powerful protection against depression. According to an analysis, the diet of depressed individuals usually tends to be low in fish fats. A Norwegian study showed that participants having a diet rich in omega-3 fats were about 30 percent less likely to develop symptoms of depression.

4. Decreases the risk of childhood asthma: Eating more amount of fatty fish has been suggested as one of the ways to reduce the risk of developing asthma. Studies have shown that children who eat fatty fish are much less likely to develop asthma throughout their lives. The risk of wheezing was reduced by 36 percent in children who ate fish between the ages of six months and one year.

5. Helps to control diabetes: A study by Karlstr m BE and colleagues identified that fatty fish can have positive effects on blood sugar control in diabetics. Participants who consumed fatty fish had a lower fasting glucose concentration and significant increase in insulin levels.

6. Protects the eyes: According to a study published in the Archives of Opthalmology,consumption of fatty fish one or more times in a week reduced the risk for developing age-related macular degeneration, one of the major causes of vision loss in older people.

Baked, steamed or grilled -- Try delicious fish recipes and get started on the road to healthier living.

With inputs from PTI

References:

  • Huang TL and colleagues.Benefits of fatty fish on dementia risk are stronger for those without APOE epsilon4.
  • Wall R and colleagues. Fatty acids from fish: the anti-inflammatory potential of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Karlstr m BE and colleagues. Fatty fish in the diet of patients with type 2 diabetes: comparison of the metabolic effects of foods rich in n-3 and n-6 fatty acids.

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