TheCable

Consumption of fish oil can lower blood pressure as well as reduce the risk of heart diseases and other ailments.

Hajiya Jummai Hassan, a nutritionist at the Wuse General Hospital, Abuja, said fish oil is high in Omega 3 fatty acids and recommended its consumption.

Omega 3 fatty acid has “good fats’, while Omega 6 fatty acids, present in red meat has “bad fats”, she said.

Hassan said fish oil, which has been considered as “brain food”, also helps to build the immune system, thereby guarding the body against diseases and infections.

“This explains why fish has also been incorporated into the diet of people in the treatment for depression, anxiety, psychosis, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Alzheimer’s disease and other brain disorders,” she explained.

“Fish oil is also used in the treatment of diabetes, asthma, kidney diseases and osteoporosis.”

She stated that fish oil also helps during pregnancy and can increase fertility.

“Studies have also shown that women sometimes use fish oil to prevent complications associated with pregnancy such as miscarriage, high blood pressure, late pregnancy and early delivery,” she added.

The nutritionist listed mackerel, tuna, salmon, sardines, mullet, herring and anchovy, as some of the fishes that are high in Omega 3 fatty acid and cautioned against destroying the nutritional value of fish while preparing it.

Hassan recommended steaming as the best method of cooking fish because “it preserves a lot of its property”.