Fish, both sea and freshwater, is extremely beneficial, and today we will examine exactly what its nutritional value consists of.

Fish contains polyunsaturated fatty acids, as well as many minerals and trace elements, including sodium, magnesium, sulphur, phosphorus, potassium and calcium, plus zinc, iodine, cobalt, molybdenum, fluorine, bromine, copper, manganese and iron. These elements are extremely important for the strength, power and endurance of our body.

In addition, fish contains a lot of lean, highly digestible protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and D, and almost all B vitamins. Protein builds our muscles, fatty acids are essential for our heart and blood vessels, and the benefits of all vitamins, especially the B vitamins, are undeniable.

Modern nutritionists claim that fish is many times healthier than animal meat, because fish protein is absorbed much better than meat protein: 93–98% for fish versus 87–89% for meat. It follows that fish, combined with seafood, can easily be an excellent alternative to any meat. I have seen this for myself, having been a vegetarian since 2013, and I can only add that for more than ten years now, I have had the wonderful opportunity to see this proven time and time again.

Once again, I cannot help but draw your attention to the method of cooking fish, because when fried – whether in a pan or, even more so, deep-fried – fish instantly loses all its beneficial properties, ultimately turning from a highly nutritious product into a collection of harmful carcinogens. I will not even mention the horrific torture of modern artificial smoking – just be sure to read the ingredients of such products!

But fish that is boiled – either in water or, especially, steamed – is very healthy and does not lose its properties. The same applies to stewed, marinated and baked seafood. When it comes to smoking, only natural processing in a high-quality smoker should be considered, not the insane industrial coating with harmful chemical flavourings from the ‘smoked-style’ series, which only create the appearance and pungent smell of this procedure, but not the reality.

In general, fish is a very healthy food, but do not forget the importance of how it is prepared. If you take into account at least some of my recommendations – or better yet, all of them! – you will be able to get not only maximum enjoyment from this wonderful product, but also maximum health benefits. Bon appétit!