Fish is considered a highly nutritious food, offering numerous health benefits. Eating fish not only provides energy but also supplies essential nutrients for cardiovascular health, vision, and joint health…
Nutritional Differences Between Sea and Freshwater Fish
According to an article on VnExpress, PGS.TS Nguyen Duy Thinh, a former researcher at the Institute of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Hanoi University of Technology, stated that it is challenging to definitively conclude which type of fish is better as each variety has its unique nutritional profile. In general, sea and freshwater fish may offer comparable nutritional value. However, when it comes to energy content, sea fish tends to have higher caloric values than freshwater fish.
For instance, catfish and basa, which are types of freshwater fish, provide a substantial amount of energy. One kilogram of these fish can yield approximately 1,245-1,700 kcal. In contrast, saltwater fish offers significantly more energy, with the highest values found in tuna, mackerel, and sardines, ranging from 1,500-23,000 kcal/kg.
Additionally, sea fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to promote heart and brain health.
At present, farmed saltwater fish tends to be safer than freshwater fish due to farming practices and environmental pollution concerns. Freshwater fish may contain heavy metals or antibiotic residues from feed, whereas sea fish is less likely to be affected by these issues. Therefore, if you have access to a safe source of sea fish, it may be preferable.
However, this does not mean that you should avoid freshwater fish entirely. These fish are still a valuable source of nutrition and can provide numerous health benefits. Instead of limiting yourself to one type of food, it is advisable to diversify your diet to avoid monotony. Regularly consuming freshwater fish from a reliable source can significantly benefit your health.
Overall, fish is an excellent source of protein and various other essential nutrients for the body. Depending on your preferences, you can choose the type of fish that suits your taste. Many people find that sea fish tends to have a stronger, more pungent flavor than freshwater fish, in which case, the latter may be a better option.

However, it is essential to note that individuals with allergies or sensitivities to seafood should exercise caution, especially when consuming sea fish.
Considerations When Purchasing Fish
Whether buying freshwater or sea fish, always select those that are actively swimming and vigorously flapping their tails. If purchasing cleaned fish, pay close attention to the eyes, which should be clear and bright. Sunken, cloudy, wrinkled eyes with visible red hemorrhages indicate spoilage. The skin of fresh fish should be uniformly colored and shiny.
Fresh fish often has a transparent mucus coating on its surface. For scaled fish, the scales should be bright and firmly attached to the body, difficult to remove by hand. The scales of stale fish will easily detach.
The gills of fresh fish are typically bright red. If they appear dark, grayish, or purple, it signifies that the fish is not fresh. When pressing on the fish’s body, it should be resilient, and the indentation should quickly bounce back. Avoid fish that leaves a deep indentation and takes a long time to return to its original shape, as this indicates soft and mushy flesh.
Fresh fish flesh is usually translucent white or yellow. If the meat appears dull white or soft and mushy, with loose connections between the muscles, it is likely old and has lost its freshness.
Hopefully, this information answers your question, “Which is more nutritious: sea or freshwater fish?” Fish is a highly nutritious food that offers a plethora of health benefits. Therefore, don’t forget to include this superfood in your daily meals to diversify your diet and reap the fantastic benefits that fish has to offer.
The Ultimate Omega-3 Rich Fish: An Affordable Superfood Delight
When it comes to omega-3-rich foods, salmon often springs to mind, with its impressive 2,150mg of omega-3 per serving. However, what many people don’t realize is that there’s another type of fish readily available in Vietnam that rivals salmon in its omega-3 content. Step forward, herring! This humble fish boasts an impressive 2,150mg of omega-3 per serving, putting it on par with salmon as a superb source of these essential fatty acids.