Health & Life

Saltwater or Freshwater Fish: Which is Better? Many are still unaware of this.

Both seafood and freshwater fish are generally good sources of protein for health, but which type should you eat more of?

Administrator

13 March, 2024

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There are differences in taste and preparation between saltwater fish and freshwater fish. People living in coastal areas tend to prefer saltwater fish and believe that freshwater fish tastes more bland and less firm compared to saltwater fish. On the other hand, people living far from the coast sometimes hesitate to buy saltwater fish due to its strong smell.

It is not easy to determine whether saltwater fish or freshwater fish is better, as it requires a detailed analysis of each type. However, there are some distinctive characteristics that you can consider to make the right choice:

Saltwater fish provide more energy compared to freshwater fish. For example, among various freshwater fish, catfish and basa fish provide the highest energy content with around 1,245-1,700 kcal/kg. Meanwhile, saltwater fish such as tuna, salmon, and mackerel have the highest energy content with 1,500-23,000 kcal/kg.

Each type of fish has its own characteristics

Pollution risks associated with both types of fish: Farmed freshwater fish are mainly fed with industrial food, leading to environmental pollution. Freshwater fish may have an excess amount of heavy metals and antibiotics due to the farming practices. On the other hand, some saltwater fish may have mercury contamination, but they are less likely to be infected with parasites and antibiotics. When saltwater fish is brought to local markets, it needs to be refrigerated, but some traders use unhealthy methods such as the use of urea for preservation, which can be harmful to the body.

Allergic risks: People with seafood allergies tend to be allergic to saltwater fish rather than freshwater fish.

Based on the information above, it is recommended to diversify your family’s diet. If you have a safe source of freshwater fish, consuming it regularly is beneficial for your health, as is eating saltwater fish if you have access to good-quality fish that has not been preserved with urea.

In general, it is beneficial to consume fish regularly for your health. Fish provides good-quality protein and fats, which are easier to digest compared to protein and fat from pork or beef. Additionally, fish is rich in valuable minerals that are less plentiful and diverse in meat.

Frequently asked questions

Saltwater fish tend to provide more energy. For example, tuna, salmon, and mackerel (saltwater fish) offer 1,500-23,000 kcal/kg, whereas catfish and basa (freshwater fish) provide 1,245-1,700 kcal/kg.

Both types of fish have potential health risks. Farmed freshwater fish may contain high levels of heavy metals and antibiotics due to industrial food sources and farming practices. Saltwater fish can be contaminated with mercury, but they are less likely to harbor parasites or antibiotics. However, local traders sometimes use unhealthy preservation methods, such as urea, which can be harmful. People with seafood allergies are also more likely to react to saltwater fish.

It is beneficial to include both types of fish in your diet, provided you have access to safe sources. Consuming freshwater fish from a trusted, low-pollution source is recommended, as is eating good-quality saltwater fish that has not been preserved with urea.

Fish provides high-quality protein and fats that are easier to digest than those from pork or beef. It is also a rich source of valuable minerals that may be less plentiful in meat.