More recently, cod liver was considered a delicacy that only certain sections of society could afford. In Soviet times, getting a jar of such a treat was quite difficult. Why was there such a stir on this product and how great is the use of cod liver? Let's figure it out.
What kind of fish is used
Not all fish are suitable for the preparation of canned food from cod liver. Classification depends on the age of individuals and sizes. In most cases, cod weighing 2-4 kg is used. The length of such a fish reaches 85 cm, and its age is approximately 3 years.
Most of you may wonder why not use large fish. This is more economical because there are more processed products. The thing is that 3 years for cod is a certain milestone, after which it is considered already old. In addition, until this age, cod eats mollusks and algae, and then becomes a predator. This indicates the insignificance of the content of toxic substances in the body of young fish. From this we can draw conclusions about the cod liver, the benefits of which are appreciated by many nutritionists and people who lead a healthy lifestyle.
Three-year-old cod is easier to catch, as the number of individuals exceeds the number of adult specimens. It is also easier to cut and transport such a valuable product as cod liver.
Benefit and harm
The usefulness of cod liver was known in ancient times. The famous doctor of past civilizations Avicenna strongly recommended the product to people with vision problems, because it contains a large amount of valuable vitamin A.
Interestingly, doctors advise using cod liver in canned foods, the benefits of which are most noticeable. This is due to the fact that the product quickly deteriorates. To extend the period of use, they began to use canning, thanks to which all useful features are preserved for a long time. In addition, in our time there are whole plants afloat that are able to process fish as quickly as possible.
Beneficial features
The cod liver is most valued for its high-quality protein and fatty acids (in particular, Omega-3), which every human body needs every day. In addition, the product contains vitamins:
- D, on which bone health depends;
- B6, which improves overall well-being, eliminates fatigue, and can lower cholesterol;
- B2, on which digestion depends;
- B1, a positive effect on the work of the cardiovascular and nervous systems, as well as improving memory;
- PP, which improves the digestive tract and has a beneficial effect on the pancreas and thyroid gland;
- C, responsible for the immune system;
- E, inhibitory process of aging.
In addition to vitamins, the benefits of cod liver include the content of trace elements, in particular magnesium, zinc, nickel, calcium, iron, phosphorus and others.
Warnings
As you can see, the benefits of the product are quite large. But along with this there are a number of warnings on its use. This is primarily due to high fat content, so cod liver should be eaten carefully, in limited quantities. Nutritionists recommend eating no more than 40 g of product per day.
Do not recommend cod liver to people:
- obese
- prone to increased pressure;
- with urolithiasis;
- suffering from allergic reactions to seafood;
- with an excess of calcium and vitamin D.
Carefully need to use the product for pregnant women and children up to the age of three. A high content of vitamin A can negatively affect the children's body. Although, of course, the benefits of the product are much greater, you just need to adhere to the golden mean in everything and not overdo it in healing.
Another important rule for eating cod liver: eat it only in combination with anything, otherwise eating is fraught with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Norms of use
A logical question arises: how much healthy cod liver can be eaten per day? And are there general rules?
Of course, norms exist and suggest that the product should be eaten no more than 150 g per day. But it all depends on the general state of health of each individual person. After all, for someone, 50 g will be enough to replenish all the vital trace elements, and for someone, 200 g will not be enough. So, be guided by common sense and the advice of your own doctor.
Effects on the body
If we talk about the cod liver, the benefits of which you have already seen, let's look at the effect directly on the body. What to expect from the use of such a valuable product:
- improving the condition of the skin;
- elimination of cholesterol plaques in the blood;
- boosting immune defenses;
- acceleration of regeneration processes;
- vision improvement;
- cancer prevention;
- strengthening the vascular system, as well as the work of the heart;
- diabetes prevention;
- improving mental processes and memory;
- prevention of Alzheimer's disease.
How to choose a good product?
To judge the benefits of canned cod liver, you should know some of the nuances of choosing a good product. This is due to the fact that only canned foods are on sale, and they, as you know, if the technology is not properly observed, are at risk of botulism.
Therefore, be careful during the selection and pay attention to the following nuances:
- Only select a premium product. Examine the label on the can. It should indicate that the product is packaged near the sea or directly on the ship.
- If the cod liver in canned food, the benefits and harms of which we examined above, was made far from the sea, this suggests that the semi-finished product is made from frozen fish, which means that the benefits from it are much lower.
- Examine the can for dents, rust, and all kinds of damage. If any, it is better to find another brand.
- Pay attention to the expiration date, because this factor is key during the selection. Trust more to the manufacturer who puts the date on the inside of the bank itself. Such a stamp is difficult to fake or kill.
- When the choice has already been made, try shaking the canned food lightly. After that, there should not be gurgling sounds or clicks inside.
Composition of canned food: what to look for?
Cod liver, the health benefits and harm of which we are considering, should be acquired only if the product is fresh and prepared in accordance with GOST standards and technologies. Therefore, pay attention to the composition. Among the contents of the tin can should be nothing but fat and spices, such as allspice, bay leaf and salt. Adding other ingredients can significantly reduce the benefits of consuming a valuable product and talk about a product of a completely different variety.
In the closed version, canned food can be stored for up to two years, but after opening it is necessary to use the liver of fish for a day. If the family is small, transfer the contents to glass sealed containers and store them exclusively in the refrigerator, and even then no more than 24 hours.
Terms of use
For the preparation of cod liver benefits and recipes need to be studied in advance. First you need to drain the oil in which it is contained. Since the product itself is sufficiently fatty, dishes prepared later from the liver do not need to be additionally lubricated with mayonnaise or oil. This will increase the already large load on the pancreas.
Using a by-product such as cod liver, you can prepare many snacks, complementing it with vegetables and herbs. In addition, the liver will serve as an excellent addition to the side dishes. Even an ordinary sandwich with this product will look appetizing and elegant and can even decorate a festive table.
Spring salad
Of course, the easiest way to serve canned cod liver is to put small pieces of the product on bread, and then garnish with greens. Even in this case, everyone will be delighted with canned food. But we suggest going further and making a salad. For this you will need:
- a jar of canned cod liver;
- 5 hard boiled eggs;
- a bunch of green onions;
- 1 PC. Crimean blue onion;
- 4 cherry tomatoes;
- salad;
- salt pepper.
First, tear the lettuce leaves with your hands. Lay eggs on them, previously cut into 4 parts. Gently lay out the liver slices, quite large in size. Cut the onions (one and two) and put in a bowl to the common contents. Cut the tomatoes in two and put them in the salad. Salt, pepper and top with canned oil. Salad ready. Garnish with greens and serve.
Once again about the benefits
Cod liver is not only a healthy delicacy for health, but also a delicious product that you must periodically indulge yourself and your family. The high content of vitamins and minerals will undoubtedly positively affect the general condition of the whole organism.
The main conclusion that can be drawn by reading this article is that the benefits and harms of cod liver (there are many recipes with this product) are in unequal proportions, since there are much more positive aspects. The product can be safely used by both children and the elderly. The main thing is not to overdo it and observe the middle ground.
Bon Appetit!