Fish is a great source of lean protein and an important part of a healthy, balanced diet. Experts recommend consuming at least eight ounces of seafood a week. However, not all varieties of fish are created equal, knowing about the healthiest options available is helpful. Continue reading to learn about the best fish to eat to improve your health so that you can get the most out of your diet.
Salmon
Salmon is a great option when you’re searching for a healthy fish. Wild salmon and farmed salmon offer slightly different benefits, but both are solid choices to incorporate into your diet. Unsurprisingly, farmed salmon costs significantly less than its wild counterpart, but it can also contain fewer vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. As such, if your budget allows, opt for wild salmon for the maximum amount of health benefits. The healthy acids in salmon can also lower your chances of heart disease, so you really can’t go wrong with this type of fish.
Sardines
Sardines are another nutritious choice when you’re looking for the best fish to eat to improve your health. Sardines are very oily fish that contain several important vitamins. Plus, the canned version is relatively inexpensive and easy to find at your local grocery store, so you can stock up without breaking the bank.
Although fresh sardines are the better choice in terms of taste and texture, they’re not always readily available. Canned sardines packed in water without added salt are solid alternatives. If you can’t find a can without added salt, be sure to rinse the sardines in cold water to decrease the salt content before eating them.
Cod
Cod is another top choice for a healthy, balanced diet. This flaky white fish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including niacin, phosphorous, and vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 sustains your energy throughout the day and provides support for your nervous system.
When grilled or baked, cod is rich in protein and low in fat, so even a small serving is tremendously nutritious. In addition, cod is an excellent source of iodine, which can support thyroid health. If you or your kids are just starting to incorporate fish into your diets or you want to avoid an overly fishy taste, cod has a very mild flavor.
Since the health benefits of wild-caught fish are often amplified, if you enjoy fishing, you may be inspired to catch some of these nutritious varieties yourself. Choosing the best fillet knife for fishing is important to preserving the delicate meat. After you’ve properly filleted the fish, you can cook it and enjoy all the health benefits of this nutrient-packed protein.
Image credit: file #7431087 Woman buying pack of salmon By Monkey Business