Author: Ivan Red Jr.
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Last Updated:
August 08, 2022
In this article, learn more about That's Why We Should Eat Fish At Least Once A Week. Salmon, mackerel or trout should be consumed every few days..
It has long been known that fish is extremely valuable for health. Numerous studies have shown various benefits of regular consumption of fish, but a recent study by scientists in China confirms its beneficial effects in two aspects - to improve sleep and increase intellectual ability .
The data were collected from nearly 600 people who took part in a study that tracked the quality of their sleep and their IQ and compared the results based on how often these people ate fish products. The two extremes in fish consumption were taken into account - some of the participants consumed less fish per month, and there were those who ate fish products at least once a week.
In the second group, 2 extremely positive effects were found. The data show that people who eat fish at least once a week sleep an average of 1 hour more at night and have about 5 points higher than the standard IQ test.
The study confirms the fact that the composition of food has a much larger and broader role in our health than we normally think. In the case of fishery products, the main health benefits come from the high content of unsaturated omega-3 fatty acids .
Studies show that essential fatty acids have a very beneficial role on brain and overall neurological function at any age. This role extends to the fact that regular intake of omega-3 fatty acids maintains hormonal secretion and promotes the production of the sleep hormone melatonin . In addition, omega-3 acids directly stimulate mental processes . The study by Chinese scientists is the first to look at both the positive role of fishery products on sleep and intelligence.
The good news is that almost all types of fish are rich in unsaturated fatty acids and, if consumed regularly, can have a beneficial effect on sleep and brain activity. However, this category also has its leaders. Salmon and mackerel are fish with the highest content of omega-3 fatty acids - an average of about 2 g per 100 g of fish.
In this regard, salmon and mackerel are the most useful among the so-called. oily fish - so designated mainly because of its high content of essential fatty acids. Immediately after them are trout and herring.
The good thing is that omega-3 acids are available for absorption after any type of culinary processing of fish and fish products. A study by the Chinese scientific team proves that healthy eating requires us to take advantage of this fact at least once a week.