What is COD Fish?
Cod is a general name of the genus Gadus of demersal fishes, a fish species belonging to the marine fish family Gadidae. This type of fish which has a dense, flaky white flesh usually prefers cold deep water and is available all through the year. A popular fish in the American cuisine, cod fish is a white meat that not only contains healthy proteins, but is also packed with a wide variety of vitamins and minerals required to maintain a healthy lifestyle. In addition, the production of cod liver oil from cod livers contain high amount of Vitamin A, D, E and omega – 3 fatty acids essential for good health. Take a look at some of the interesting facts and health benefits of cod fish listed in this guide below.
Cod Fish Health Benefits
- One of the greatest benefits of cod fish is that it is rich in protein and low on calories. Including cod fish in your diet not only helps maintain healthy muscles, but are also essential for normal functioning of your body’s cells. In addition, including protein in your diet helps repair body damage usually caused due regular activity.
- Cod fish contain high amount of omega -3 fatty acids and prove to be a perfect choice of food for people suffering from diabetic heart disease and arteriosclerosis. The presence of omega 3 fatty acid helps blood thinning and controls high blood pressure, thereby preventing blockage of arteries. In addition, since omega 3 fatty acids help increase heart rate variability, eating cod can proves to be beneficial in preventing abnormal heart rhythms and ischemic stroke.
- Cod fish contains high quantities of Vitamin B12 and B6. Including these vitamins in your daily diet can help keep the homocysteine levels at bay in the body. The fact that homocysteine is basically a molecule that damage the blood vessels walls in the body, including this white meat in your diet can help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Cod contains an important supplement and nutrient known as Niacin that helps lower bad cholesterol levels in your body. Thus, eating cod regularly can benefit for all those who have or are at a risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
- Eating cod fish helps reduce the risk of colon cancer. The fact that health promoting fish contains Vitamin B12, selenium and vitamin D, eating this fish helps guard the colon cells from cancer causing chemicals and toxic substances found in processed foods from causing damage to the body.
- The presence of omega 3 fatty acids in cod fish not only helps boost the supply of blood to the brain, but also reduces depression and stress. In fact, regular consumption of cod liver oil can prove to be helpful to control mood swings related to bipolar disorder.
- The presence of EPA, DHA and omega 3 fatty acids present in cod liver oil help reduce the risk of arrhythmia or sudden death significantly.
- Including weekly serving of fresh fish in your diet can prove to be help reduce the risk of multiple myeloma, leukemia and non – Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Eating Cod fish regularly can help reduce the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis, a condition essentially caused when blood clots are formed in the deep veins of the legs.
- Including cod fish in your diet provides significant protection against renal cell carcinoma which is one of the most common types of kidney cancer.
Interesting Facts about Cod Fish:
Why is Cod fish a popular Cuisine?
Cod fish is highly popular fish cuisine in American because it is not only has a mild taste, but is also easy to cook. Moreover, it is relatively inexpensive and is packed with proteins, vitamins and minerals essential for healthy living.
How Should Cod Be Cooked?
Cod can be cooked by boiling baking, frying, broiling and steaming the fish. However, frying cod fish can add unwanted calories and also destroy its essential nutrients. Cod can be made very moist by steaming or poaching it. Cooking cod slowly is perhaps one of the best ways to heighten its delicious flavor.
What safety precautions are required when including cod fish in your diet?
Although cod is considered a low cal food, over- consumption can sometimes cause blood clotting, thereby increasing the risk of hemorrhagic strokes. Thus, consumption of cod fish requires being moderate and well regulated to achieve great health benefits.
Cod fish is one of the healthiest meal option that provides innumerable health benefit and helps you stay healthy and fit when included in your diet.