1. Fish is High in Important Nutrients That Most People Don’t Get Enough of

Some fish are better than others, and the fatty types of fish (like salmon, trout, sardines, tuna and mackerel) are considered the healthiest because they  are higher in fat-based nutrients.This includes the fat-soluble vitamin D, a nutrient that most people are deficient in. Fatty fish are also much higher in omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are crucial for your body and brain to function optimally, and are strongly linked to reduced risk of many diseases.

2. Fish May Lower Your Risk of Heart Attacks and Strokes

Many large studies have shown that people who eat fatty fish regularly seem to have a lower risk of heart attacks, strokes and death from heart disease, because of their high amount of omega-3 fatty acids.

3. Fish Contains Nutrients That Are Crucial During Fetal Development

Omega-3 fatty acids are absolutely essential for growth and development. The omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is especially important, because it accumulates in the developing brain and eye. For this reason, it is often recommended that expecting and nursing mothers make sure to eat enough  omega-3 fatty acids.

However, there is one caveat with recommending fish to expecting mothers. Some fish is high in mercury, which ironically is linked to brain developmental problems. Therefore it is important to select a trusted source, free of mercury.

4. Fish May Increase Grey Matter in the Brain and Protect it From Age-Related Deterioration

One of the consequences of ageing, is serious neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease. Studies have shown that people who eat fish every week have more grey matter in the centers of the brain that regulate emotion and memory.

5. Fish May Help Prevent and Treat Depression, Making You a Happier Person

Depression is currently one of the world’s biggest health problems.

Numerous controlled trials have also found that omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial against depression, and significantly increase the effectiveness of antidepressant medications. Fish and omega-3 fatty acids may also help with other mental disorders, such as bipolar disorder.

6. Fish is The Only Good Dietary Source of Vitamin D

Fish and fish products are the best dietary sources of vitamin D, by far. Fatty fish like salmon and herring contain the highest amounts. A single 100 gram serving of cooked salmon contains around 1000 IU of vitamin D.

7. Fish Consumption is Linked to Reduced Risk of Autoimmune Diseases, Including Type 1 Diabetes

Autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys healthy body tissues. A key example is type 1 diabetes, which involves the immune system attacking the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

Several studies have found that omega-3 or fish oil consumption is linked to reduced risk of type 1 diabetes in children, as well as a form of autoimmune diabetes in adults.

The results are preliminary, but researchers believe that this may be caused by the omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D in fish and fish oils. Some believe that fish consumption may also lower the risk of rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

8. Fish May Help Prevent Asthma in Children

Studies show that regular fish consumption is linked to a 24% lower risk of asthma in children).

9. Fish May Protect Your Vision in Old Age

A disease called macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision impairment and blindness, and mostly affects older individuals.

There is some evidence that fish and omega-3 fatty acids may provide protection against this disease.

10. Fish May Improve Sleep Quality

Sleep disorders have become incredibly common worldwide.

In a 6-month study of 95 middle-aged men, a meal with salmon three times per week led to improvements in both sleep and daily functioning. The researchers speculated that this was caused by the vitamin D in the salmon.

11. Fish is Delicious and Easy to Prepare

This last one is not a health benefit, but still very important.

It is the fact that fish is delicious and easy to prepare. For this reason, it should be relatively easy to incorporate it into the diet.

If possible, choose wild-caught fish over farmed. Wild fish tends to have more omega-3s and is less likely to be contaminated with harmful pollutants.

That being said, even if eating farmed fish, the benefits still far outweigh the risks. All types of fish are good for you.

Take Simple Steps and Stay Healthy.