4 Benefits of Catfish for Health and How to Safely Eat It

The benefits of catfish for health are not inferior to other types of fish, from losing weight to maintaining heart health. This is thanks to a variety of nutrients contained in it, such as protein and omega-3.

Catfish is one of the mainstay foods for the Indonesian people. This type of fish is often processed into various types of food, either by frying, grilling, or processing with spices according to your taste.

Not only delicious, catfish is also known as a type of freshwater fish with nutritional content that is not inferior to other seafood, such as tuna and salmon. Catfish also has a low mercury content because it is generally cultivated using livestock methods.

Content Nutrients in Catfish

In one serving or about 100 grams of fresh catfish, there are 105 calories and the following nutrients:

  • 18 grams of protein
  • 3 grams fat
  • 50 grams of sodium
  • 237 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids
  • 337 milligrams of omega-6 fatty acids

Catfish also contains vitamin B12 and various minerals, such as selenium, phosphorus, and potassium.

Benefits of Catfish for Health

Various nutritional content contained in catfish makes it efficacious for health, including:

1. Lose weight

Catfish is a good source of nutrient-dense protein for weight loss. These nutrients can keep you full longer, which can reduce the desire to overeat or eat snacks that can increase weight.

2. Maintain brain health

The content of omega-3 fatty acids in catfish is good for maintaining brain health and can prevent senile dementia, depression, and cognitive disorders. However, the benefits of catfish for maintaining brain health still require further research.

3. Prevent anemia

Catfish is a rich source of vitamin B12 which is important for preventing anemia. Not only preventing, catfish can also be a healthy menu choice for people with anemia.

However, further research is still needed to determine the benefits of catfish for anemia.

4. Maintain heart health

Not only good for brain health, the content of omega-3 fatty acids in catfish is also good for heart health and reduces the risk of coronary heart disease. In addition, this type of healthy fatty acid can also reduce blood pressure.

Omega-3 fatty acids cannot be produced by the body alone. Therefore, to get these benefits, you can eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, including catfish.

Safe Way to Consume Catfish

Although catfish has various health benefits, you are advised not to overeat catfish, especially those cooked by frying. Excessive consumption of fried catfish can increase the intake of saturated fat.

In addition, vary your diet with other types of fish that are also rich in nutrients, such as salmon and tuna. Fish consumption is recommended about 2 times a week, or the equivalent of 340 grams of fish in a week.

Catfish is a good source of animal protein for the body. Choose a healthy processing method to maximize the benefits that can be obtained.

Recipes Catfish

Besides being fried or grilled, catfish is also more delicious if it is processed using spices, such as grilled catfish. The following is a recipe for grilled catfish that you can try at home:

Ingredients

  • 1 kg catfish
  • 5 cloves of red onion
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • 1.5 ounces of red chili
  • 1 finger ginger
  • 1 turmeric finger
  • 1 finger galangal
  • 1 lemongrass stalk

How to cook

  • Wash and clean the catfish, then split the middle of the stomach, then give lime juice, and let stand for a while.
  • Blend the spices until smooth, then mix with the catfish.
  • Add salt, soy sauce, and lime juice to taste.
  • Grill catfish over coals or on the stove until cooked.
  • Grilled catfish is ready to be removed and served.

If you still have questions about the benefits of catfish or are hesitant to consume it because you have certain medical conditions, consult your doctor. The doctor will provide advice regarding the consumption of catfish and other healthy foods, according to your health condition and needs.