Contrary to the expectations of many people, fatty fish are the most healthy for the human body. This is due to the fact that they contain a higher percentage (about 5%) of unsaturated fatty acids, better known as Omega-3, which are able to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, heart attack, thrombosis, as well as blood pressure, etc.
The amount of Omega-3 fatty acids in fish depends on a number of circumstances, such as what time of year it was caught (before or after spawning), water temperature, etc. Also, it is not always true that older fish, which logically weigh more, have a higher percentage of fat.
The fatty fish group includes salmon, saltwater trout, carp, herring, mackerel and tuna. In general, species that are adapted to colder climates and thrive in icy waters also contain a greater amount of subcutaneous fat.
Culinary processing of these varieties is of great importance to preserve their nutritional qualities. When frying, unsaturated fatty acids are destroyed to a greater extent than when baking and boiling.
After a while, these fats oxidize, go rancid and are a source of free radicals that have an adverse effect on the body. Therefore, for example, you will rarely see salmon that is prepared fried.
The shelf life of many of the small types of fatty fish, such as sardines and anchovies, is extremely short - between 3 and 6 days. However, large species such as tuna and swordfish can last up to 24 days frozen. That is why sardines, mackerel and anchovies are stored in crushed ice and salt and delivered fresh.
People usually consume a lot of fat, but mainly from milk, meat, butter and too little from fish. And its fat, unlike that of mammals, is rich in the extremely important polyunsaturated fatty acids.
They give elasticity and flexibility to cell membranes and are a source of biologically active substances needed by many organs for their proper functioning.
Omega-3 acids soothe inflammation, dilate blood vessels, prevent the formation of blood clots. Therefore, they have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular, joint, skin and cancer diseases. In addition, they have a serious impact on the mental development of children.
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