Anchovies are certainly very familiar to Indonesian people’s tongues. This tiny fish, apart from being delicious, is also easy to add to various dishes. This makes it easy for us to get the abundant health benefits of anchovies.
There are many types of anchovies. So, the benefits of one type of anchovy may be slightly different from another type. However, in general, as long as anchovies are cooked in a healthy way, you can get the various benefits below.
Benefits of anchovies for body health
Unlike salmon or tuna, which have been recognized for their health benefits, the benefits of anchovies are often underestimated. However, after knowing the explanation below, you might be impatient to eat this little one that is rich in taste. The following are the benefits of anchovies which are good for the body.
1. Good for heart health
Anchovies contain lots of polyunsaturated fats which can help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) levels in the body. When bad cholesterol levels decrease, the risk of heart attacks, strokes and narrowing of blood vessels due to cholesterol plaque buildup can also be reduced.
2. Strengthens bones
The various vitamins and minerals contained in anchovies can provide many benefits for the body, including maintaining bone health. Eating this fish can also be a way to prevent osteoporosis and other bone disorders.
The calcium and vitamin A contained in anchovies are also good for bone growth. Calcium is also useful for keeping teeth strong and healthy.
3. Good for those on a diet
The benefits of this anchovy do not occur due to its small size, but because of its high protein content and low calories. These two things are the key to a healthy diet menu. Of course, the way you process anchovies will also have an influence. So, choose those that are processed healthily.
4. Healthy eyes
Anchovies are rich in vitamin A which is good for eye health. In fact, consuming anchovies is considered to help prevent glaucoma from becoming more severe. Anchovies are also believed to prevent macular degeneration and cataracts.
Even so, consuming anchovies is not the only way to keep your eyes healthy. Just consuming anchovies will immediately prevent your sense of sight from being damaged.
5. Prevent premature aging of the skin
Consuming anchovies is believed to help improve the condition of the skin to make it smoother. Not only that, this small fish is also considered capable of helping prevent the appearance of acne and wrinkles associated with premature aging.
6. Repair cells and tissues
The protein content in anchovies can help cell metabolism and the growth and repair of connective tissue. In general, protein is good for helping the body carry out various self-repair mechanisms.
7. Rich in minerals that are good for the body
Despite their small size, anchovies are also rich in iron which is good for maintaining blood circulation. The selenium content in it can also maintain blood vessel function and thyroid hormone production.
Read Also
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This is the risk of consuming anchovies, you have to be careful
Even though it is healthy, the risks of consuming anchovies are still hidden behind it. Moreover, if the anchovies are processed in an unhealthy way, such as preserving them with a lot of salt, they become salted fish. For more details, here are the things you need to watch out for when you eat anchovies.
• Bacterial infections
Anchovies, especially those consumed raw such as in sushi or with poor processing methods, are at risk of carrying parasites that are harmful to health. This parasite can cause digestive tract disorders, such as stomach ache.
• Increases the risk of chronic disease if consumed as salted fish
In Europe, many anchovies are sold preserved with salt or salted fish. If salted anchovies are consumed in large quantities or too often, the excess salt entering the body can trigger various chronic diseases, such as:
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Impaired kidney function
- Diabetes
There’s nothing wrong if you want to immediately enjoy the benefits of anchovies for the body, as long as the processing is healthy. So that the benefits for the body are maximized, consume anchovies along with healthy vegetables and don’t forget to also exercise regularly.
