Fish, amazing creatures that lives in water as their home, have been an essential part of the human diet for many years.
Types and sizes of fish differs, each with its own unique characteristics.
In this article, we will take a deep look at the world of fish, from their scientific classification to the health benefits for our daily diet.
Scientific Classification
They are are vertebrates that have adapted to aquatic life. Scientifically, they are classified in the class of Pisces.
There are more than 30,000 species of fish discovered so far, and there are still many that are unknown.
Below are some of the major known groups of fish.
A. Bony fish.
These are the most familiar fish, such as tuna, salmon, and sardines. They have internal skeletons and gills for breathing.
B. Boneless fish.
These fish, such as octopus and squid, have skeletons made of cartilage instead of bones.
C. Cartilaginous group of fish.
It includes fish such as sharks and rays who have cartilage bones and gill slits.
Where do they found ?.
Fish can be found in a variety of aquatic environments, from deep oceans to small rivers where some fish lives in salt water, others in fresh water, and some can adapt to live in both environments.
In Seas – Seas are home to most types of fish, from small fish such as sardines to large such as tuna and sharks.
Rivers – Rivers provide habitat for a variety of freshwater fish, such as trout, salmon, and catfish.
Lakes – Lakes are also home to many species of freshwater fish.
Eating fish is associated with many health benefits as included below.
1. Good source of protein.
Fish is an excellent for protein, which is essential for building and repairing body tissues.
2. Sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
These fatty acids can help reduce the risk of heart disease, reduce inflammation, and improve brain health.
3. Vitamins and minerals.
Fish is a good source of important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D, selenium, and iodine.
4. Reduce the risk of chronic diseases
Research has shown that eating fish regularly can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer.
# How To Get More From Fish
To get all the health benefits of eating fish, it is important to choose the right type of fish and cook it the right way.
Choose fatty fish.
Fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
Cook fish in a healthy way.
Avoid frying fish with too much oil. Instead, you can bake, boil, or prepare them on the grill.
Make fish a part of your weekly diet.
Aim to eat fish at least twice a week to get all the health benefits.
Conclusion;
Fish is a nutritious food with many health benefits.
By adding fish to your daily diet, you can improve your heart health, reduce inflammation, and improve your brain health. So, the next time you go to the market, don’t hesitate to choose a variety of fish to enjoy its taste and health benefits.
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