Being holistically healthy starts from what you are putting in your body on a daily basis.
The food you consume is the fuel your body uses to keep itself moving and in top form.
One of the biggest things that can help you staying in top shape is adding in fish to your diet, at least once per week at a minimum.
Fish is one of the healthiest foods on the planet – and just by eating it once per week, you will feel the health benefits almost immediately.
Fish is loaded with protein, Vitamin D and is one of the best sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are so important for your body and brain.
So here are our top reasons for adding fish into your diet.
- Fish is crucial during developmental stages
Omega-3 fatty acids are absolutely essential for growth and development, so super important for mums and bubs.
The omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid is so important as it develops the brain and eye.
Expectant mothers, and breastfeeding mums, are encouraged to eat more Omega-3 fatty acids.
On that note, however, some fish are high in mercury, which is linked to certain development problems, which is why mothers are encouraged to eat fish such as salmon, sardines and trout and no more than 340 grams per week.
- Fish reduces the likelihood of heart disease
Eating fish on a regular basis also assists in reducing the likelihood of heart disease, thanks in large part to the high levels of Omega-3s.
Additionally, eating fish once a week can help preserve gray-matter neurons, which is the part of the brain that is linked to memory and cognition.
There is scientific evidence to suggest that people who eat baked or broiled fish are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s in older age.
- Fish can improve your skin and hair
Depriving your body healthy fats can actually leave your hair and skin dull and dry.
The Omega-3s in fish are just what the doctor ordered when it comes to keeping your skin and hair healthy and shiny.
- Fish can make you a happier person
Depression is a very serious mental illness, and is one of the biggest health problems in the world today.
People with depression are characterised as those who have a low mood, decreased energy and a lack of interest in life and all of life’s activities.
Studies have found that people who eat fish on a more regular basis are actually less likely to become depressed than those who do not.
Scientific trials also found that eating fish can also increase the effectiveness of antidepressant medications.
The best part of adding fish to your diet is that it is so delicious and easy to prepare. If possible, you should choose wild fish, as opposed to farmed fish as that is where you are most likely to reap the rewards of adding it to your diet. However, all types of fish are good for you!
Simone’s Winter Fish Soup
Ingredients
2 tbsp oil
½ red onion
2 cloves garlic
1 red chilli
salt, to taste
2 tsp curry powder
2 tsp dried/ground coriander
1 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground turmeric
400ml coconut milk
1 cup water
1 chicken stock cube
1 bunch broccolini
2 salmon fillets (skin off) or any other fish
1 zucchini
½ pumpkin and/or 1 carrot
Brown rice
Peel and thinly slice onion and garlic. Deseed and finely chop ½ red chilli.
Heat saucepan with oil, heat and sauté onion, garlic and chilli for 5 minutes. Season with salt.
In the meantime, combine all dry spices. Add to the saucepan and cook for a further minute before carefully stirring in the coconut milk, water and chicken stock cube. Bring to the boil, cover and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
Chop vegetables in 2-3 cm pieces. Cut fish fillets in cubes.
Add veggies and fish to the soup and simmer for 3-4 minutes or until fish is cooked to your liking.
Serve with brown rice and top with natural yoghurt if desired.