What is Oily Fish?
We’re told by the experts that it is good for our health to eat oily fish up to twice a week, but what exactly is oily fish and why is it so good for us?
Oily fish are those that have more fat than white fish - the fillets can be made of up to 30% oil. This fat is in the form of oil.
Examples of oily fish include mackerel, herring, salmon and trout.
Why Is Oily Fish So Good For Us?
These fish are constantly moving - the oil is basically a supply of energy for them to keep swimming throughout their lives.
The flesh of oily fish is a great source of fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamins A and D and is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids.
Omega 3 fatty acids are a crucial element of our cell membranes and receptors as well as being important for the production of hormones controlling the thickness of our blood, our artery walls and help to control inflammation.
We humans can only get Omega 3 fatty acids from the food we eat - we can’t produce them ourselves.
Omega 3 fatty acids have been linked with improved brain function, vision and reduction in the effects of rheumatoid arthritis but studies are limited so far.
It seems to make a lot of sense to add oily fish to your diet - not only are they good to eat, they’re also good for your health!