Nutrition Profile Between Marine and Freshwater Fish

kelolalaut.com - In terms of nutritional composition, fish is indeed a complete food source to supplement the body's nutritional needs. This has a good impact on the health of the human body. Various studies have shown that fish can help reduce the risk of heart disease, improve intelligence, help fetal development in pregnant women, and anti-inflammatory.

Both seawater and freshwater fish have almost the same nutritional content. In general, the nutritional composition of fish includes protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.

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1.    Protein
The type of protein in fish is a complete essential amino acid that is easily digested by the body.

Generally, the type and amount of amino acid content in marine fish is higher and more complete than freshwater fish. This is due to the availability of natural food in the fish habitat. Natural food in marine fish is in the form of zooplankton and phytoplankton which are rich in amino acids.

2.    Fatty Acids 
Fatty acids in marine fish and freshwater fish consist of Saturated Fatty Acids (SFA), Monounsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFA) and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFA). PUFA fatty acids are dominated by the omega-3 group which includes EPA and DHA. 

These omega-3 fatty acids are more abundant in marine fish than freshwater fish. 

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3.    Vitamin
Fish meat contains a lot of vitamin E. Vitamin E plays a role in maintaining fatty acid stability, especially for the unsaturated fatty acid group from the effects of fat oxidation. 

Vitamins A and D are also found in certain amounts in fish meat. Vitamin A is found in low-fat fish, while vitamin D is found in high-fat fish. Vitamin D is excellent for boosting immunity and bone health.

4.    Minerals
The mineral content in seawater and freshwater fish is almost the same, only the total amount of minerals differs.

The mineral content of fish includes mineral salts, such as Na, Ca, Mg, Cl, F, K, Selenium, and Iodine. These mineral salts are beneficial for inhibiting the growth of cancer cells. 

Other microminerals such as calcium, zinc, and iron are useful as blood enhancers and aid development in children.

In conclusion, marine fish has several nutrients that are slightly higher than fresh fish. But that doesn't mean that freshwater fish isn't a good source of nutrient!

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