It is a good idea to increase intake of oily fish if you want to protect yourself from a host of diseases. If you are wondering why it is so, well, it is because the fish oil has immense health benefits, like they help to improve inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
Oil derived from the tissues of the oily fish is rich in the magic ingredient, the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). It is this Omega-3 fats which can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and reduce levels of triglycerides (the bad fat found in the blood that has been linked to heart disease).
But how does one know how much fish to eat? Now, it is very easy, just take a cod test! Cod test – is a simple test devised by one Glasgow GP, Dr Tom Gilhooly, who also runs the Essential Health Clinic, offers tests to find out the nutritional status of patients’ blood. Gilhooly has teamed up with Dr Gordon Bell, a biochemist based at the University of Stirling, to offer patients a new blood test that can accurately measure levels of omega-3 in the blood. So all you need to do now is to go to your GP and ask him to send your blood sample to the Bell’s clinic to get to know your Omega-3 fats requirement. Though, let me warn you- it costs £99! A small price to pay I would say to keep yourself healthy.
So, if want to reap the benefits of Omega-3 fats, then make it a habit to eat at least two portions of oily fish like sardines, herring, mackerel, trout, salmon, pilchards, kippers, fresh tuna and anchovies every week. Though remember, the fish should be grilled, baked, or broiled — not fried – for fried fish appears to lose all of its benefits.
Via: Independent