What is Barramundi?
Barramundi, also known as the Australian bass, Cock up, or Giant Perch is a catadromous species of fish, distributed mainly in the Indo-Pacific region. Even though this a large-scaled fish’ is nowadays popular in mangrove estuaries (where fresh water meets salty water) in southern China, river creeks in southeast Asia, and in large catchments or fish farms in the United States of America (USA), it is native to the Mary River, Northern Australia and the Exmouth gulf in the Western part of the country. For years, the Barramundi has been a vital resource for Australians, generating over 11 million dollars annually, in the recreational and commercial fisheries industries. The Australian bass has also earned a spot among the world’s healthiest foods, mainly because of its high protein content, rich minerals and vitamins, and abundant omega 3 fatty acids.
Facts about Barramundi
Did you know that Barramundis are protoandrous hermaphrodite? All eggs laid in creeks, rivers, or even artificial breeding sites such as fish ponds, hatch into males. Males live for around four to five years and convert to females once mature.
Barramundis are among the hardiest group of fish in the world. Unlike many fish species that can survive only in fresh or salty water, a Barramundi can survive in an array of environments. For instance, it can live in murky or clear water, fresh or salty water, and even in an estuary without losing its reproductive capacity. It is therefore a suitable option, if you are considering fish farming.
Barramundis have a high reproductive capacity. They are able to produce over 32 million eggs in one season, many of which grow to adulthood. Even though size varies according to sex and age, barramundis grow to height of over three feet, weighing around 90 pounds. Commercial potential of this species is thus, high.
Did you know that the Barramundi is among the healthiest food in the world? Nutritionists and health professionals around the globe advice people to include barramundis in their diet for the following reasons: protein is an essential building block necessary for growth, tissue repair, and regeneration of cells. The Australian bass is a rich resource of proteins. A serving of the barramundi is not only lower in fat and calories, but can provide up to 60 percent of your body’s daily protein needs. It is also rich in mineral and vitamins that will boost your immune system and lower incidence of cardiovascular and other harmful disease. Other benefits of eating a giant perch rich diet once or twice weekly include:
Barramundi and Weight Loss
According to recent reports, the waists of people, both adults and children, is growing worldwide. They are at risk of obesity-induced diseases (heat attack, strokes, diabetes, etc.), which lowers their quality of life significantly. If you have a weight problem and have tried shedding your excess pounds unsuccessfully for a long time, eating a barramundi rich diet can help you significantly. Their meat is not only light, delicious, and protein rich (25 g lean protein per 5 oz portion), but also low in calories (137 per 5 oz portion), fat (2.5g per 5 oz portion) and sodium. Couple the healthy diet with regular exercise to maintain a trim look.
Barramundi and Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 fatty acids play an important role in the body. First, because they help lower the triglyceride (bad fat) levels in the blood, the lower the risk of heart disease (heart attack, heart failure, etc). Omega 3 fatty acids also lower the risk of strokes (ischemic and hemorrhagic), if a person consumes between 200 and 4,000 milligrams per day. By including barramundi meat in your diet, you can get between 600 and 800 milligrams of omega 3 fatty acids per 5 oz serving.
Barramundi and Omega 6 Fatty Acids
Did you know that fish and seafood rich diets contain around ten times the recommended amount of omega 6 fatty acids? Omega 6 fatty acids are harmful in such high concentrations. They induce inflammatory reactions with grave effect. Another benefit of eating barramundis is they low omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acid ratio (1:1). This is healthier that the recommended 2: 1 ratio.
Contaminants
Barramundis thrive on a vegetarian diet. Unlike salmon and other fish species that prey on small mercury laden fish, this fish feed largely on plankton and organic vegetation. Wild barramundis and those bred using safe agricultural practices (no hormones, synthetic chemicals, and or colorants) have low levels of mercury and are thus safe for consumption even by pregnant women.
Follow Up and Barramundi Safety Precautions
The barramundi is an excellent breed of fish that continues to hit headlines in amje worldwide. This fish species native to Australia has low levels of mercury in the body. It is also rich in proteins, omega 3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals necessary for healthy growth and development. Expect no side effect when eating barramundi meat. Their largely vegetarian diet and low omega 6 fatty acids in the body lower the probability of inflammation and other health issues. Buy quality barramundi and cook using little fat to preserve its health benefits.