A cat and a fish combined. Can it be? This is catfish, found abundantly throughout the planet and oozing with health benefits. Read on to learn more!
Catfish: What Is It?
Scientifically known as the Siluriformes, catfish are a diverse group of over 3,000 ray-finned fish found everywhere except Antarctica. They thrive in freshwater ecosystems like streams and rivers, although some have adapted to live in caves and salt water.
Catfish are actually one of the most farmed fish, primarily due to their popularity and high consumption levels. In fact, some types of catfish, such as the Mekong catfish, are now endangered due to water pollution and overfishing.
You may be asking why they’re called catfish, as they obviously don’t look like cats. However, they do have a strong set of whiskers, which sets them apart from most other fish types. Catfish also have no scales, and the mucus on their skin is used in cutaneous respiration, wherein the fish breathes through its skin. Some types of catfish have bony platelets called scutes to protect their skin, while others have a sort of body armour to protect themselves.
The catfish mainly live in freshwater, but saltwater types also exist. Their taste is mild, and they are low in fat. Their skin is also edible, but it must be removed before cooking.
Types of Catfish
The following are the different types of catfish:
- Pictus Catfish
- Wels Catfish
- Yellow Bullheads Catfish
- Brown Bullheads Catfish
- Black Bullheads Catfish
- White Catfish
- Flathead Catfish
- Channel Catfish
- Blue Catfish
Nutritional Value of Catfish
One ounce of wild, raw catfish has:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
| PRINCIPLES | ||
| Calories | 80.8 Kcal | – |
| Total fat | 2.4 grams | – |
| Cholesterol | 49.3 milligrams | – |
| Carbohydrates | 0 gram | – |
| Potassium | 304.3 milligrams | – |
| Sodium | 36.6 milligrams | 2% |
| Protein | 13.9 grams | – |
| Fiber | 0 gram | 0% |
| VITAMINS AND MINERALS | ||
| Vitamin A | 12.8 µg | 2% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.1 milligrams | 8% |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.9 µg | 79% |
| Vitamin C | 0.6 milligrams | 1% |
| Vitamin D | 10.6 µg | 71% |
| Calcium | 11.9 milligrams | 2% |
| Water | 68.3 grams | – |
| Folate | 8.5 µg | 3% |
| Niacin | 1.6 milligrams | 9% |
| Riboflavin | 0.1 milligram | 4% |
| Thiamin | 0.2 milligrams | 12% |
| Retinol | 12.8 µg | – |
| Selenium | 10.7 µg | 16% |
| Manganese | 0 milligram | 2% |
| Copper | 0 milligram | 2% |
| Zinc | 0.4 milligrams | 3% |
| Phosphorus | 177.7 milligrams | 18% |
| Magnesium | 19.6 milligrams | 6% |
| Iron | 0.3 milligrams | 4% |
Health Benefits of Catfish
Here are some of the health benefits of catfish:
- Helps form bones and teeth: the phosphorus content of catfish is essential for the overall health, as the mineral plays an important role in the formation of bones and teeth.
- Helps boost cognition: research shows that those who eat seafood are less likely to suffer from dementia and other memory conditions. Furthermore, the nutrients in catfish also help boost brain power.
- Aids in digestive health: studies suggest that a diet rich in fish oil are helps protect the body against serious bowel conditions. Moreover, there are some studies that suggest omega-3 fatty acids may help slow down the progress of inflammatory bowel conditions.
- Beneficial for the nervous system: the vitamin B12 in the catfish may help maintain the health of the nervous system. This is one of the best health benefits of catfish.
- Helps fight depression: research actually highlights that catfish may help reduce the risk of depression.
- Aids in losing weight: catfish is beneficial in losing weight because it has carbohydrates and but a small fat content. Furthermore, it is oozing in protein, making it a good source of energy.
- Good for the heart: the omega-3 fatty acids in catfish are beneficial in lowering the risk of heart illnesses.
Catfish is not just a delicious fish, it also has astounding health benefits!
