Caviar may still sound foreign to Indonesian people. However, the health benefits of caviar are numerous and cannot be underestimated. This food, which is known for its expensive price, has properties that are good for heart and brain health.
Caviar is a food made from sturgeon fish eggs preserved in salt. Sturgeon is a type of saltwater fish that can be found in the waters of Europe and Asia, as well as the southern coast of the Atlantic Ocean. There are 4 types of caviar that are most commonly consumed, namely ossetra, beluga, sevruga, and siberian caviar.
Caviar Nutritional Content
One tablespoon, or about 15 grams of caviar, contains 40–45 calories and the following nutrients:
- 3-4 grams of protein
- 2.5–3 grams fat
- 0.5 grams of carbohydrates
- 250 milligrams sodium
- 50 milligrams of magnesium
- 30 milligrams of potassium
- 10 micrograms of selenium
- 45 milligrams of calcium
- 2 milligrams of iron
- 150 IU of vitamin A
- 19 IU of vitamin D
- 0.3 milligrams of vitamin E
Caviar also contains a variety of other nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, folate, choline, and antioxidants. Although it has a variety of nutrients that are good for the body, caviar also contains a lot of cholesterol. In 1 tablespoon of caviar, contained about 940–950 milligrams of cholesterol.
Benefits of Caviar for the Body
Caviar is usually eaten in small amounts as an appetizer, such as spread on bread or in a salad. However, caviar is also quite commonly sprinkled on various types of food as a main dish. In addition to its delicious taste, the following are various benefits of caviar that are also good for health:
1. Supports brain function and health
Omega 3 fatty acids, protein, and antioxidants play an important role in maintaining brain health and function. These nutrients are known to play a role in improving memory and concentration and preventing senility or dementia, especially in the elderly.
2. Maintain heart health
The potassium and protein content in caviar is useful for reducing triglycerides and increasing good cholesterol levels, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.
However, excessive consumption of caviar is not good for health, because this food contains a lot of cholesterol. If your cholesterol intake is excessive, this can actually increase the risk of blockages in blood vessels (atherosclerosis) and trigger coronary heart disease.
3. Maintain eye health
Caviar contains omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, and the antioxidant lutein which is good for eye health. Omega-3 and lutein deficiency are known to increase the risk of eye diseases, such as retinal disorders, macular degeneration, and dry eye syndrome.
4. Relieves inflammation
A study shows that omega-3 fatty acids can relieve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, especially swelling in the joints. This benefit is due to the nature of omega-3 fatty acids that can reduce inflammation in the body.
5. Maintain bone health and strength
Caviar contains vitamin D, calcium, and protein which is quite high. These nutrients are types of nutrients that play an important role in supporting bone strength. With sufficient vitamin D and calcium, you will avoid osteoporosis.
Not only good for the health of organs in the body, caviar is also useful in maintaining skin health and beauty. Caviar contains a lot of antioxidants, minerals, and substances that are anti aging. The content of caviar can nourish the skin while preventing premature aging.
Those are the various benefits of caviar for health. Although delicious and healthy, caviar cannot be consumed by everyone. These foods should be limited or avoided by people with cardiovascular disease or high cholesterol. Pregnant women are not recommended to consume caviar.
If you have certain diseases or conditions, you should first consult with your doctor before consuming caviar.