Nutritional Benefits of Fish Consumption for Humans: A Review

Abstract

In conquest to attain the goal of zero hunger as well as tackling the problem of malnutrition worldwide, fish proves to be one of the best functional food to humans. Along with the sense of good taste to humans, it ensures great nutritional value at an affordable price. Fish food plays an active role in providing nutrients to the body that are directly involved in metabolic activities. It is enriched with high quality protein containing all the essential amino acids, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids including eicosapentanoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. Also, it provides wide variety of micronutrients involving vitamins (fat soluble vitamins and several members of vitamin B complex) and minerals. Also, these have significant protective effects against the occurrences of several diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory diseases, retinopathy, diabetes, arthritis and some other acute or chronic diseases. The bioactive peptides from fish food are reported for their positive effect on humans. Therefore, fish is an optimal choice of food to humans as it helps in their growth, development and maintenance of good health. However, care should be taken during processing of fish or fish products as the inappropriate handling can deteriorate the nutritional quality of the food.