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Incredible Health Benefits of Eating Fish

3 min read

By Emily Lockhart

Medically Reviewed by Julie Ching, MS, RDN, CDE

Mom always told us that eating fish had its share health benefits. And we constantly hear the benefits of a diet high in omega 3 fatty acids, of which fish is a prime source. On top of it, we know that eating fish is a great way to incorporate a low fat protein into your diet if you’re trying to shed unwanted pounds.

However, now, global health studies are concretely linking regular fish consumption (that’s one or two servings per week) with reducing the risk of various diseases and health disorders—ranging from colon cancer to dementia.

Here are 10 diseases and disorders that eating fish can help prevent…

Depression

Because depression is linked to a short supply of omega 3 fatty acids in the brain, it makes sense that consuming fish (which happens to be high in this particular health fat) will reduce the symptoms of depression.

Cardiovascular Disease

Not only does consuming the protein of the sea increase levels of “good” HDL cholesterol; it’s also thanked for lowering the risk of heart disease, stroke, blood clots, and inflammation of the heart tissues.

Eyesight

If your mother ate a lot of fish when breastfeeding you, chances are you don’t wear glasses. Why? Because mother’s milk containing omega 3 fatty acids is linked to enhancing eyesight, in particular to strengthening the retina (the tissue on the inner surface of the eye).

Asthma

Medical researchers have found that children who eat fish will less likely end up with asthma.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Eating fish weekly has also proven to reduce the inflammation and painful symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.

Brain Disorders

Fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids has been linked to healthy brain tissue, which in turn prevents a slew of brain diseases and disorders—such as Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, concussions, and certain forms of autism.

Premature Births

Good news for expectant moms; a pregnancy diet high in fish lowers the chance of delivering prematurely.

Diabetes

Eating fish is a great way to balance blood sugar levels for diabetic sufferers, and to prevent insulin spikes.

Dementia

Studies show that seniors who regularly consume fish (at least once per week) reduce their risk of developing dementia.

Cancer

Fish is rich in omega 3 fatty acids, meaning consumption can lower the risk of certain types of cancers—particularly oral, colon, breast, and prostate—by an impressive 50-percent.

Looking for other articles related to parenting? Check out these:

MS, RDN, CDCES

Julie Ching is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator in Los Angeles. She decided to become a Dietitian after traveling through Europe, South America, and Asia and discovered a passion for food. She now works with people of all ages and varying disease states to improve their health. She is passionate about teaching people about nutrition so they can live their best life while still considering their cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

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