When it comes to mental health and immune systems, winter can be a long, hard battle. However, if you eat the right kind of fish, you can ride it out without suffering, and then you will get to know why to eat fish in winters.
Days are short, and the weather is frequently so bad that you have no choice but to stay inside. Those who work in offices or other environments where the interior and exterior temperature and humidity vary greatly may find it even more challenging to make it through the season. Bugs and bacteria are constantly attacking your immune system, trying to drain every last ounce of energy from you.
When daily life is a struggle or simply an inconvenience, it is no wonder that we turn to food as a comfort. The problem is that this type of food rarely provides the nutrition we require at this time of year, resulting in weight gain and increased susceptibility to cold and flu and depression.
So here’s a superfood that will give you a better chance of surviving winter with your health intact and a greater sense of wellbeing than if you simply followed your instincts and ate plate after plate of heavy food for months on end.
At this time of year, fish and seafood are your friends more than ever in comforting pies, midweek pizzas, or other dishes that take your fancy. Here are the top reasons why to eat fish in winters:
Fish Consumption Protects the Heart
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in the northern areas of Pakistan, and the winter puts additional strain on your heart. Reduced activity levels and the risks to cardiovascular health associated with them, such as high blood pressure – a leading cause of heart attack and stroke – and artery furring, by eating omega-3-rich fish at least twice a week. You can also consult a cardiologist for the best advice.
Fish Consumption Protects Your Mental Wellbeing
Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, has evolved from a theory to a reality recognized by doctors and psychologists in the last decade or so. Due to the reduced hours of daylight combined with the sun’s weakness, most of us are deficient in vitamin D, which is a significant contributor to the low mood experienced by many people during the winter. While vitamin D supplements are available, your body absorbs far more vitamin D from fish, which are also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to improve emotional health as well as cardiovascular health.
Having Fish Protects Your Lungs
The lungs are undeniably one of the most vulnerable parts of the body in the winter, as they are susceptible to colds, flu, and other respiratory infections. Omega-3 fatty acids help increase airflow to the lungs, so eating fish will help you fight off the bugs that are all too familiar to those who have young children or work in air-conditioned offices.
Eating Fish Benefits Your Skin
Cold weather wreaks havoc on your skin, whether directly or indirectly – for example, when you walk through the streets on a cold night and then enter a warm supermarket or restaurant. Temperature extremes are not good for skin health. Smoked salmon can help protect your skin by containing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are incorporated into the skin’s top layer to help form a barrier preventing your skin from drying out.
Eating Fish Prevent Asthma in Children
Asthma is a common disease in which the airways become inflamed over time. Over the last few decades, the prevalence of this disease has risen dramatically. Children usually face asthma problems in winters. According to studies, regular fish consumption has been linked to a 24 percent lower risk of asthma in children, but there has been no significant effect in adults.
Having Fish Helps Relieve Arthritis Symptoms
Many people are affected by arthritis more in the winter than in the summer, and anyone who suffers from joint or muscle pain regularly understands how debilitating it can be. Omega-3 fatty acids, our old ally, aid in treating such conditions by lowering inflammation and alleviating arthritis symptoms. You’ll have a better defense against joint pain and inflammation if you eat more salmon, mackerel, tuna, and other omega-3-rich fish.
Eating fish is also a great way to get more minerals like iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, calcium, niacin, selenium, and vitamins A, B12, and D. Let us not forget that most fish are high in protein.
Simply put, fish is your best friend all year, but especially during the winter. During the long nights, there’s no need to completely avoid your favorite comfort foods – who can resist a good soup or sticky toffee pudding? – However, increasing your intake of oily fish will help you avoid the worst effects of winter. If you still have any concerns, you can talk to a nutritionist.
FAQs
1- Is eating fish healthy?
The answer is yes; it is one of the healthiest foods on earth.
2- Can we eat fish in summer?
Avoid consuming fish in summer as it might cause you diarrhea and some other health issues.
3- Which fish offers the most health benefits?
Although all fish are excellent protein sources, those containing high levels of omega-3 fatty acids have the most benefits for the heart, the brain, the eyes, and general health.
4- Can a pregnant woman eat seafood?
According to FDA, pregnant or breastfeeding women should consume 8 to 12 ounces of low mercury seafood per week.
5- What are the risks of eating fish?
While consuming fish gives us nutritional benefits, it also has potential risks. High levels of PCBs and mercury may harm our brain and nervous system. Mercury is especially harmful to fetuses, infants, and kids as their bodies are still in the developing stage. Moreover, PCBs may cause cancer and some other health issues.
Book an appointment now, to answer all your queries. You can book an appointment with the top nutritionists in Pakistan through Marham by calling at Marham helpline: 0311-1222398 or by online booking facility through the website or Marham mobile app.
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