Fish is a good source of healthy protein that is recommended to be consumed regularly. Fish is rich in protein but low in cholesterol compared to meat, making it a healthy food choice. Fish is also rich in collagen and omega-3, which helps boost the immune system, enhance memory, and brain function. Therefore, consuming fish can ensure improved overall health. However, combining fish with the following types of food can be harmful:
Combining fish and milk is not recommended.
When fish is consumed together with milk, condensed milk, or other dairy products such as cheese, it can cause discomfort in digestion, bloating, stomach pain, and even lead to skin infections and allergies.
For individuals with weak stomachs, combining fish with milk can be even more dangerous as it can result in digestive disorders and diarrhea due to the high protein content and compounds that may affect the digestion process.
Avoid consuming fish with processed and deep-fried foods.
Fried and processed foods that are high in saturated fats can have negative effects on health. Combining pre-packaged fried foods with fish can increase the burden on the digestive system and reduce the benefits of consuming fish.
Avoid consuming fish with starchy foods.
Avoid combining fish with starchy foods as it can increase calorie intake, slow down the digestive system, especially when you are sick or recovering from an illness.
Avoid combining fish with citrus fruits.
Citrus fruits are rich in vitamins but are acidic in nature. Combining them with fish can affect the taste of the dish, making it less enjoyable and difficult to perceive the flavor of the fish. This combination can also cause digestive disorders in individuals with a weak digestive system.
Avoid combining fish with tofu and legumes:
Combining fish with tofu and legumes can lead to an overload of protein, causing bloating and discomfort when consumed together.
Therefore, the best way to consume fish is to reduce the intake of the mentioned foods in order to enhance digestion and absorption. When consuming fish to take advantage of the omega-3 and collagen content, pay attention to the following: The skin of the fish is rich in collagen, so consume the skin. The belly of the fish is where nutrients and omega accumulate, so consume the belly meat of the fish.
When selecting quality fish for a healthy diet, consider the following:
– Smaller fish is better than larger fish because larger fish have a longer growth period that mainly increases protein content. Fish that are farmed or live in rivers and lakes for a longer period of time have firmer meat, which is rich in protein. However, larger fish have a higher risk of heavy metal contamination compared to smaller fish. Smaller fish that can be consumed with bones are better because fish bones are rich in calcium.
– Choose wild-caught fish over farmed fish.
– Fish should be processed immediately after slaughtering to avoid changes in quality. When consuming fish, be sure to remove fins, scales, and the black membrane inside the fish’s belly as they contain a lot of dirt.