Fish is certainly a very healthy product that should be on the table at least several times a week. But if red varieties are quite expensive, then you need to know that there is a relatively inexpensive alternative. This is the simplest herring, tasty, familiar to us from childhood and rich in protein, trace elements and the substances necessary for our body. Today we want to talk about how herring is useful, so that next time you know how to diversify your menu and save your family budget.
Short description
Probably there is no person who does not know what an ordinary herring looks like. This fish lives in large schools in cold seas, and is caught in huge quantities. This is a genus of fish that belongs to the herring family. There are more than 60 species of herring, which differ in appearance and taste. If you are interested in how herring is useful, then you should consider that this largely depends on the time of catch. Like salmon and mackerel, herring are fatty varieties. However, properly cooked, it can be eaten even by those who adhere to a strict diet.
Structure
Speaking of how useful herring is, it is extremely important to understand what our body receives from its use. First of all, it is an excellent source of protein. It accounts for about 20% of the total mass. Equally important is the high content of essential amino acids. But the fat content can vary greatly. Summer herring is dry, contains up to 3% fat. Winter and spring fish are considered much more valuable. They contain up to 30% of unique fat. Even if you do not know how useful herring is, everyone has heard about it since childhood. Fatty acids, which are part of fat, are of great benefit to the heart.
A separate line should be noted vitamins and minerals. Any seafood is a valuable source of these substances. The composition includes vitamins D, A, PP, group B, iodine and calcium, phosphorus and potassium, magnesium and sodium, fluorine and zinc. No need to buy expensive vitamin complexes in a pharmacy, which are still poorly absorbed by the body. It is much better to eat fresh fish regularly.
Cooking method
The benefits of any product vary depending on how you decide to cook it. Fish is no exception. Very often, doctors are asked about hair, whether slightly salted herring is useful. This is an ideal cooking option, as it retains all the beneficial properties. In addition, such a fish has excellent taste. If you don’t think it is too tasty, then you’re just used to putting a lot of salt in foods. Try not to salt food at all for several days, and the receptors will return to normal again.
However, a weak ambassador does not guarantee the long-term preservation of the product, so most often in stores we buy a slightly different product. It is called salted or pickled herring. This fish also retains almost all trace elements, however, the high salt content imposes its limitations. Such a product is not recommended for pregnant women, children, as well as people suffering from high blood pressure. If you bought a very salty fish, nutritionists recommend first soaking it, and only then eat it.
It remains to answer one more question: is fresh herring useful? Of course, such a fish can be eaten in boiled or baked form, as well as steamed. The fresher the acquired fish is, the more it retains all the useful. Unfortunately, such a product can be regularly bought only by living near the sea. All the rest remains to purchase frozen or salted semi-finished product.
Calorie Herring
Speaking about whether the herring is salted, it is necessary to note this point. Today, a healthy lifestyle has become the norm for many, and this implies control over the calorie intake. However, we have already said that the calorie content of herring depends on age, habitat and other factors. As a result, per 100 g of product may be from 85 to 250 kcal per 100 g of product. Usually improper cooking significantly increases the calorie content of the finished dish. A vivid example is frying in oil.
We are used to choosing less high-calorie foods; today this is actively promoted through the media. However, fish oil is exactly what salted herring is useful for. Therefore, oily, spring-caught Atlantic herring is an ideal product that should be on the table every day. By the way, the ambassador does not affect the nutritional level.
Effect on our body
We have already talked a little about the composition of this unique and affordable fish. And how does this whole set of vitamins and amino acids affect our body?
- First of all, I want to note that regular use of herring allows you to strengthen the immune system. And it is best if it is boiled, baked or steamed.
- The great benefit of herring is that it has a positive effect on the heart.
- Fatty fish is an excellent prevention of diabetes.
- Omega 3 fatty acids and B vitamins normalize the nervous system, give vigor and mood.
- Doctors note that regular use of herring favorably affects vision and helps to strengthen bone tissue.
For the fair sex
It should be noted separately how salted herring is useful for women. This unique fish has a positive effect on the condition of the skin. With regular use of it in food, the skin shines with health, hair begins to grow and shine actively, and nails cease to exfoliate. In a separate line, it is worth noting what is useful for herring for women during pregnancy. The substances that are contained in the fish are important for the development of the fetus. This is especially true of the brain.
Herring is very important for beautiful ladies to use during menopause. The fact is that at this time a woman is rapidly losing bone mass. And herring contains a lot of vitamin B 12. It is extremely important for the formation of bone cells. So, this fish, familiar from childhood, strengthens bones and reduces the risk of fractures.
The benefits of herring for men
I want to say right away that the differences between our organisms are not so great and great. Therefore, everyone needs to eat fish, and preferably every day. However, a few words can be said about how useful herring is for men. First of all, it is a powerful antioxidant, which allows you to reduce the amount of oxidation products in human blood. Since it is men who are usually engaged in physical labor, for them the presence of fish in the diet is mandatory.
The content of omega 3 fatty acids has a positive effect on the normalization of the cardiovascular system. And again I want to remember that it is men who are most often susceptible to strokes and heart attacks. The male urinary system is more vulnerable, which becomes more noticeable with age. Herring is a champion in the content of vitamin D, which positively affects the functioning of the kidneys.
Weight loss
Another important point, the use of oily fish allows you to lose weight without any harm to the body. This happens gradually, due to the fact that herring is replaced by more high-calorie foods such as fatty beef, lamb and pork. About 100 g of herring contains half the daily norm of protein, but with a maximum of 200 kcal. Supplement the diet with vegetables and cereals, and get the opportunity to provide the body with everything you need daily, and at the same time, lose weight slowly, without any harm to the body.
Herring roe
Not the most popular product among our compatriots. Some housewives, not knowing how useful herring roe, simply throw it along with the entrails. In fact, this is a real storehouse of useful substances. Caviar contains lecithin, vitamins A, E, D, B, phosphorus and iron, as well as other minerals and organic compounds, which are very important for the normal functioning of the body, for the formation of new cells. Of the trace elements in herring caviar, there are a lot of potassium and sulfur, sodium and calcium, magnesium, selenium, zinc and iron, iodine and other minerals. It is known that regular consumption of caviar allows you to stop the aging process of the skin and restore youth.
Contraindications
It should be noted that they are very arbitrary. This may be an individual intolerance to the product. Often people suffering from allergic reactions cannot eat fish. In addition, do not get carried away with salted herring for people with hypertension, kidney disease and a tendency to swelling. Even a perfectly healthy person should understand that the best choice for him will be boiled, baked or steamed fish. An excess of salt in the body, on the contrary, can lead to serious consequences, so salted herring can be in the diet only in very limited quantities.
Herring, mackerel or salmon
These are three types that are most preferred by our compatriots, the most delicious, according to most consumers, and also very useful, from the point of view of doctors and nutritionists. And all because they are champions in the content of omega 3 fatty acids. But since their price is significantly different, the question will be logical, mackerel or herring, which is more useful. We immediately exclude salmon from the competition, because it definitely takes first place.
But mackerel and fatty herring occupy approximately equal positions. Their composition is approximately the same, both fish contain at least 8% fat. And the content of essential omega 3 in the fat of these fish species reaches 30%. Therefore, do not be upset if you cannot afford to include red fish in your diet. An ordinary herring will be a great alternative.