cause it helps the stimulation of insulin secretion.
Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine is needed by the body to produce more than 60 enzymes needed by the immune system and other body systems to function well. It is also said to help prevent cancer, migraines, and kidney stones. Pyridoxine also has a diuretic effect by helping reduce water retention. It is also included in the treatment for arthritis and is said to help increase the body’s serotonin levels.
Calcium. If other nutrients usually found in fish are lost during the canning process, calcium stands as an exception. Canned fish, especially canned salmon, is said to have higher calcium concentration than its fresh variety. There are studies suggesting that the amount of calcium found in canned fish is about 10 to 20 times higher than what is found in fresh fish. Since fish is canned with its bones that are rich in calcium, the heating process involved in canning softens the bones so calcium is easily ingested with the meat of the fish.
Aside from playing a major role in bone and tooth health, calcium is also important to heart rhythm, blood clotting, muscle function, nerve transmission, and cell membrane function. A little known function of calcium is it being a natural tranquilizer and a key in aiding metabolism. Calcium works synergistically with vitamin D for it to be absorbed and used for various bodily functions.
Aside from these, fish is also a good source of vitamins A, D, and K. Fish is also a good source of protein, magnesium, selenium, and potassium. The amount of these vitamins and minerals that can be found in fresh and canned fish may differ. However, it is important to remember that the loss of nutrients found in fresh fish is not brought about by canning alone. Nutrients are also lost in the process of cooking fresh fish, even if you cook your fresh fish the healthy way.
Since the two-fold heating process involved in canning can result to a significant loss in nutrients, there are fish canning companies that do away with the pre-treatment process to lessen nutrient loss. These companies place the fish in its fresh and raw form into the can. It is said that lesser nutrient loss results when the cooking of the fish occurs in the sealed can. These companies that cook on in the can put emphasis on wild-caught fish and give focus on the environmental and health issues involved.
Moreover, there are now methods to replace the lost nutrients so that people can enjoy enhanced nutritional benefits from canned fish. One of these methods is through fortifying canned fish with a number of vitamins and minerals that the human body need to function well. Though there are still differences in the overall taste and texture between fresh fish and canned fish, this depends entirely on the palate of a person. Besides, since fresh fish is not that readily available, canned fish is still your most convenient, practical, and satisfactory option.
I hope you enjoyed today’s article – stay well,