Cod Fish Benefits For Health | Cod Fish Nutrition and Calories
Cod fish is one of the most popular varieties of fish in the world, and besides being widely available, it is also packed with essential nutrients that can boost your health.
What is Cod Fish?
Cod fish is the broad name for a specific genus of fish, Gadus, although there are more than a dozen other species of fish that are called cod in their common names. The two most common types of cod are Atlantic and Pacific Cod, which are what most people have eaten in seafood restaurants. Cod is generally considered a healthy fish, based on its nutrient profile, and the oil from this fish is particularly sought after. Cod liver oil provides an extremely concentrated dose of omega-3 fatty acids and is often sold in supplement form.
Cod typically grow to an average of 12-20 pounds, and they are very hardy fish that reproduce in vast numbers. The light texture of the fish and the ease with which it can be cooked have also made it one of the most popular types of fish in the sea.
Cod Fish Nutrition
When it comes to nutrition, cod is particularly rich in protein, selenium, and phosphorus. Just a single 100-gram filet provides more than 35% of the protein you require each day, as well as roughly 85 calories and very high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. This fish is also a good source of vitamin C, vitamin E, potassium, magnesium and vitamin B12, among others.
Types of Cod Fish
While there are many other fish that have adopted the name “cod”, some of the main types of true cod fish include the following.
- Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua)
- Pacific Cod (Gadus macrocephalus)
- Greenland Cod (Gadus ogac)
- Haddock
Cod Fish Benefits For Health
The top benefits of eating cod fish include its ability to protect skin health, reduce Alzheimer’s risk, prevent diabetes, fight cancer, boost immunity and improve heart health, among many others.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Certain antioxidants like selenium and vitamin E, as well as omega-3s, have been linked to reducing neurodegenerative disease risk, including Alzheimer’s.
Arthritis
Various nutrients in this fish can boost bone health and help reduce inflammation, including the symptoms of arthritis, gout, migraines and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
High Blood Pressure
People who eat cod fish regularly have greater amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and as a result, lower blood pressure than those who consume less. This is according to data analyzed by the International Study of Macro-/Micronutrients and Blood Pressure.
Heart Health
Omega-3 fatty acids are known to thin the blood and also reduce inflammation, both of which can help to boost cardiovascular health.
Diabetes
As a low-fat fish with no carbohydrates, this is an ideal meal for those suffering from diabetes or people at risk for this condition.
Skin Health
Selenium and vitamin E can work wonders on your skin, and help prevent premature aging.
Cancer
The selenium and vitamin B12, found in cod, reduces the risk of the development of colon cancer by protecting and repairing cells in the colon. Additionally, they help eliminate toxins and cancer-causing chemicals produced by gut bacteria. Consumption of this fatty fish also prevents renal cell carcinoma, a common form of kidney cancer.
Asthma
Selenium, in cod fish, has the ability to prevent asthma attacks by producing antioxidants. These powerful antioxidants help reduce free radical scavenging activity and in turn, severe asthma attacks. Studies also show that children who eat fish 2-3 times a week are at a much lower risk of developing asthma that children who don’t consume fish.
Atherosclerosis
Intake of cod fish may help prevent coronary atherosclerosis, which occurs due to the narrowing of arteries as a result of a buildup of plaque on the artery walls. The fatty acids present in the fish act as potent antioxidants and prevent blood clots.
Immunity Levels
Omega 3 fatty acids, found in cold water fish like cod, help improve immunity levels and increase blood circulation.
Pulmonary Embolism
Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot in the deep vein breaks away from its original site and moves through the venous system to lodge itself in the lung. A study found that people who ate fish, such as cod, at least once a week had 30-45% lower risk of this serious condition.
High Blood Pressure
People who eat cod fish regularly have greater amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and as a result, lower blood pressure than those who consume less. This is according to data analyzed by the International Study of Macro-/Micronutrients and Blood Pressure.
