Cod: benefit, harm

There is hardly a single person who has not tasted the delicious cod fish. Delicate and juicy meat is served hot or cold, added to salads, soups. In addition to excellent taste, the product is very useful for the body. Cod is one of the first to be introduced into the children's diet, it is recommended for pregnant women, athletes and for dietary nutrition.

The benefits of cod

The cod habitat covers the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Fishing is a significant source of income. Cod liver is in special demand due to the maximum content of unsaturated fats, the proportion of which is up to 74%. The consumption of Omega-3 helps to reduce the level of "bad" cholesterol, reduces the likelihood of developing atherosclerosis in old age, and prevents the formation of cancer cells.

Fish oil intake is important in childhood. For the correct formation of the skeleton and the prevention of rickets, vitamin D is taken in combination with fish oil, so the substances are better absorbed by the body. As a result of their use, memory improves, mood increases, and the body's resistance to stress.

Other beneficial properties of cod are:

• High protein content. Cod pulp contains 16% of easily digestible protein compounds. In the recovery postoperative period, with intense physical exertion, during the growth period, proteins are necessary for the structure of new cells. In the diet, fish can replace meat products.
• The low fat content index (no more than 0.6 g per 100 g of pulp) allows people who are obese, have liver disease or other gastrointestinal diseases to consume a lot of it.
• Fish is easily digested and absorbed by the body.
• Sea cod contains a large amount of iodine. Residents of the middle lane always experience a lack of iodine, which has a bad effect on memory, thought processes. Regular consumption of cod normalizes metabolic processes.
• The product contains many vitamins: almost all vitamins of group B, PP, D, C, A. Vitamins are involved in hematopoiesis, metabolic processes, must constantly enter the body.
• The presence of trace elements sulfur, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, iron, manganese, zinc ensures the prevention of diseases of the cardiovascular system, improves the condition of the epidermis and hair, improves oxygen supply to all organs.

The cost of a kilogram of fish is 100-130 rubles, for fillets you will have to pay 150-170 rubles. The product is available for people of all incomes, especially it is useful for children, the elderly and with weakened immunity.

Phosphorus contributes to the restoration of cartilage tissue, which improves the condition of patients with atherosclerosis. Sulfur, zinc significantly improve the condition of the skin, increase its regenerative capacity. Zinc strengthens hair follicles, prevents gray hair.

Cod harm

Any, even the most useful product, if consumed excessively, can adversely affect health, cause an excess of certain substances in the body. In rare cases, when cod is consumed, allergic reactions occur, individual intolerance to the product by the body. Eating large volumes of cod liver can cause digestive upset.

Contraindications for cod

In some cases, it is better to refuse to eat this fish:

• The presence of gallstone or urolithiasis.
• Inflammatory processes in the kidneys.
• Excess vitamin D, hypercalcemia.
• Pronounced hypotension, hyperthyroidism.

How to choose cod

You can only get the most out of your health benefits by consuming quality fish. When choosing, you should pay attention to the skin and scales, they should not be damaged. A fresh fish has transparent eyes, the presence of turbidity indicates a violation of the storage conditions of the product.

If the fish is sold with a head, then you can evaluate the appearance of the gills. The bright color and absence of unpleasant odors are indicative of the freshness of the cod. If the product is purchased in the form of fillets, then the plate should have a uniform color, not have any plaque.

There should be no dark areas or foreign debris in the glaze. If there are yellowish streaks, spots on the surface of the carcass or fillet plate, then the fish begins to deteriorate. This product can cause food poisoning.

It is better to buy cod fresh or in a factory vacuum package.

In this case, the pulp will remain juicy and retain a maximum of nutrients. Do not buy groceries in metro passages, give preference to specialized departments and shops. Fresh fish can be frozen at home in vacuum bags. To prevent the pulp from becoming dry during cooking, you do not need to overheat the cod. Cook it at a temperature of no more than 50 degrees. A sauce with horseradish and fresh herbs will help remove a specific fishy smell.