JAKARTA – Sea fish is a food ingredient taken from the sea, namely Indonesia. Indonesia is an archipelago country where the majority of the population lives along the sea coasts and consumes most of its marine products, including fish.
Sea fish has many nutritional benefits that can improve the health of the body. Increased fish production is closely linked to the availability of fish which, in turn, supports a food security system whose components consist of the availability, distribution and consumption subsystems.
Fish has a higher protein absorption rate than animal foods such as beef and chicken. Fish meat has shorter protein fibers than beef and chicken protein fibers.
Fish contains many minerals such as calcium, phosphorus which are necessary for bone formation and iron which is necessary for the formation of hemoglobin in the blood. So it is necessary to discuss the benefits of fish for the health of the body. According to Adrian (2020), the benefits of consuming sea fish are:
1. Prevent heart disease
Sea fish is rich in protein and has less cholesterol than red meat. This makes fish meat a heart-healthy source of protein. This is also supported by research showing that eating fish meat high in omega-3 fatty acids on a regular basis can lower blood fat levels, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease.
2. Maintain brain function and health
Sea fish such as salmon, sardines and anchovies are rich in omega-3 fatty acids necessary for the development and formation of the child’s brain. Additionally, studies have shown that consuming marine fish containing omega-3 fatty acids is beneficial in relieving symptoms of depression and dementia in older adults, and has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression, dementia and brain dysfunction. (Inara, 2020)
3. Supports Bone Health
Vitamin D is not only made by the body with the help of sunlight, but can also be obtained by consuming sea fish.
Marine fish contain vitamin D and calcium which promote bone health and prevent certain diseases. About 8 grams of salmon per day provides 75% of your daily vitamin D needs.
4. Prevent Thyroid Damage
Sea fish contain minerals useful for thyroid diseases, namely iodine and selenium. So far, it is known that iodine deficiency is a risk factor that can increase the chances of developing thyroid disease. Additional research shows that the selenium content of sea fish may help maintain thyroid function and prevent further thyroid damage.
5. Maintain eye health
The high content of omega-3 fatty acids from marine fish or supplements has been shown to help maintain healthy eyes.
Research shows that people who regularly consume marine fish or omega-3 supplements of at least 500 mg daily have a lower risk of developing diabetes-related macular degeneration and retinal damage.
Writer: Pepper Tia Piece Corner
Nutrition Study Program Student – Binawan University Jakarta
Reference:
Inara, C. (2020). Benefits of marine fish nutritional intake to prevent disease and maintain bodily health in coastal communities. Kalwedo SaJurnalins (KASA), 1(2), 92–95. https://ojs3.unpatti.ac.id/index.php/kalwedosains/article/view/2563/2185
