To grow reproduce and survive, cod needs cold deep artic waters. Cod is a cold water fish belonging to the same family (that is the Gadidae) of that of monkfish and haddock and has a mild flavor. It is available throughout the year and is used in variety of preparations due to its versatility and also used as a meat substitute many times.
Health and cod
Cod is an excellent source of high quality protein with low calories. Besides proteins cod is filled with a variety of other nutrients like selenium, vitamin B6, phosphorous, omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, niacin, vitamin B12 and vitamin D.
Individuals with atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease benefit a lot from cold water fishes especially cod. Omega 3 fats along with vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 help to keep the blood cholesterol and homocysteine levels in track thus lowering the risk of heart diseases, coronary artery disease and heart arrack in susceptible individuals. High levels of homocysteine are also associated with increased risk of osteoporosis. Vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 take care of this part too.
Niacin a B-complex vitamin is long used for lowering blood cholesterol levels. Cod is a good source of niacin, thus helps to decrease the risk of heart disease further.
Cod promises cardiovascular benefits by increasing heart rate variability that is a measure of cardiac function. By greater variability between heart beats the risk of heart arrhythmia and sudden death is lowered. Thus cod ensures long term cardiac health and improves heart muscle function with healthy lifestyle of exercising and maintaining healthy weight.
Eating fish like cod just twice a week may protect against ischemic stroke and play a role in lowering triglycerides.
Cooking method is very important when it comes to fish. Cod should be cooked in such a way that it should allow minimum nutrient loss. Choose cooking methods like broiling, baking, or grilling instead of deep frying. Remember when you fry cod you are also frying away all its nutrients. Broiled or baked fish may lower atrial fibrillation that is the most common type of heart arrhythmia.
Fish consumption is also related to other benefits like maintaining blood pressure, have a protective effect against deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, protect against cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, age-related cognitive decline, reduce the risk of leukemia, multiple myeloma and kidney cancer. The omega 3 fats also improve moods, reduce depression and reduce the risk of macular degeneration.
Omega-3 fats along with selenium and vitamin D have anti-inflammatory actions and help in inflammatory conditions like asthma, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and migraines.
People with purine related problems like gout, uric acid problems or kidney problems should consume cod with caution as cod has these naturally occurring purines that should be avoided in such conditions.