During cold weather, consuming meat can help provide the body with energy, cooling, and relief from colds. However, beef and pork are both red meats and contain relatively high amounts of saturated fat, so they should not be consumed frequently. Instead, we should eat more fish as they are a good source of protein and low in fat, easy to digest, and won’t cause weight gain even when eaten in large quantities. In the winter, smart homemakers will buy this type of fish as they are sweet, bony, nutritious, and reasonably priced, fitting the budget during this inflationary period.
Sweet and bony fish varieties to buy when grocery shopping
Mackerel
Mackerel is not only nutritious, but it also contains Omega-3, which helps treat joint pain and reduces inflammation.
Mackerel has very little fat and low cholesterol compared to other meats, so it helps lower cholesterol levels in the blood, thereby boosting the immune system when consumed regularly.
Sea bass
Sea bass is native to the brackish waters of coastal regions and the estuaries of large rivers. This fish is quite familiar to the Vietnamese.
According to traditional medicine, sea bass helps improve qi, digestion, and supports the treatment of chronic colitis. Elderly people, the infirm, and those recovering from illness can eat this fish to boost their health.
Sea bass has a short life cycle and reproduces quickly, so they are less likely to accumulate toxins from the environment. Homemakers can choose this fish for regular consumption due to its affordable price.
Herring
Herring is a mild-tasting fish with white, fatty meat and is one of the easiest fish to catch. Herring usually migrates in large schools.
This fish is very mild-tasting and not strong-smelling. Notably, herring is rich in Omega-3, which is known to produce DHA, an essential substance for brain development and health, as well as for heart health and blood pressure regulation.
Additionally, herring is an excellent source of vitamin D for the body.
Golden croaker
Golden croaker is typically available only during the winter, so if you spot them at the market, be sure to buy them. Golden croaker is fatty and soft, rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, and is nourishing to the body.
They also help strengthen the spleen and stomach, aid in calming the mind, treat diarrhea, and are especially beneficial for the elderly. The high selenium content in the fish is considered a great anti-aging factor. So, when you see this fish at the market, be quick to buy it before it’s sold out.
The above are sweet and bony fish varieties that are good for health. If you come across these fish at the market, be sure to buy them.
Black bass
Black bass has very sweet meat and few small bones. It is low in calories but rich in selenium, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, offering high nutritional value and helping reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
Additionally, the high content of vitamin A in black bass can help improve vision-related issues such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
What you need to know about eating fish
Frozen fish has the same nutritional value as fresh fish
Many types of fish are immediately chilled after being caught, and after a short period, they are transported to the mainland. If the chilling time is not too long, the fish will retain their nutritional value even after being thawed, just like freshly caught fish.
The health benefits of fish are mainly due to the omega-3 fatty acids they contain
Most fish contain omega-3 fatty acids, especially salmon, tuna, and herring. This type of acid is a precursor to DHA and helps the body’s cells function optimally. Omega-3 is particularly beneficial for the brain, skin, heart health, blood pressure, diabetes prevention, weight loss, asthma, reducing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and combating depression…
Since our bodies do not produce this essential acid, we must obtain it from our diet, preferably from fish.
Eating fish regularly can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke
The anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of chronic inflammatory diseases by up to 52%, thereby contributing to lower blood pressure and stroke risk. It also helps lower blood pressure, reduce irregular heart rates, and decrease the likelihood of heart disease by 36%.