Choosing fish in place of meat is said to be the best dietary choice. As a matter of fact, fish such as Haddock contains a higher amount of omega-3 fatty acids and a lower amount of calories and saturated fats. Haddock is a saltwater fish that is usually found in North Atlantic Ocean. It is a popular food fish sold fresh, smoked, dried, frozen, and sometimes canned. And aside from being delicious food fish, Haddock also encompasses a lot of health benefits. In this article, we’ve discussed the health benefits of haddock. So follow along, as you can read more about the health benefits of Haddock as well as its nutritional content and other essential facts.
Haddock: What Is This?
Haddock (Scientific name: Melanogrammus aeglefinus) is a saltwater fish mostly found in North Atlantic Ocean which is also popular as offshore Hake, Finnan haddock, and seed haddock. This fish is said to be a bottom dweller which usually resides from 4 to 33 m (131-436 ft.) deep in the Ocean. This fish can survive a temperature ranging from 36 to 50 °F (2 – 10 °C). It is actually a carnivore feeding on invertebrates and some aquatic animals such as mollusks, fish eggs, sea urchins, sea stars, shellfish, worms, and crabs. It has a dark lateral line and distinctive dark spot on each shoulder with silvery belly and white flesh. As a matter of fact, it resembles the cod which has a chin barbell and two anal and three dorsal flippers. Moreover, the natural opponents of haddock are the sea raven, Spiny dogfish, cod, skate, halibut, monkfish, and seals.
Nutritional Value
Health benefits found in Haddock are usually derived from its nutritive content. Thus, listed below are the nutritive values found in smoked haddock fish:
100 grams of smoked haddock contains the following essential nutrients:
| Principle | Amount |
| Energy | 469 kJ (112 kcal) |
| Carbohydrates | 0.0 grams |
| Dietary fiber | 0.0 grams |
| Fat | 0.93 grams |
| Protein | 24.24 grams |
| Vitamins | |
| Thiamine (vitamin B1) | 0.040 milligrams |
| Riboflavin (vitamin B2) | 0.045 milligrams |
| Niacin (vitamin B3) | 4.632 milligrams |
| Pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) | 0.150 milligrams |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.346 milligrams |
| Folate (vitamin B9) | 13 μg |
| Vitamin C | 0.00 milligrams |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium | 42 mg |
| Iron | 1.35 milligrams |
| Magnesium | 50 mg |
| Phosphorus | 241 milligrams |
| Potassium | 399 milligrams |
| Zinc | 0.48 milligrams |
Health Benefits of Haddock
As shown in the table above, haddock contains considerable high amounts of nutrients which are needed by our body. Therefore, the daily consumption of haddock fish can offer essential health advantages for us. However, you must consume the fish moderately as it contains mercury. Listed below are the health benefits of haddock:
Good Source of Protein
Protein is the main nutrient necessary for the body to get enough energy for the day. It is also responsible for the regeneration of the broken cells replacing the broken to new ones. Therefore, if you want to have lasting energy levels, have a healthy food option and try haddock.
Prevents the Risk of Cancer
As mentioned a while ago, haddock is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. As a matter of fact, Omega-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids helps to prevent the growth of dangerous cancer cells as well as unwanted tumors. Thus, adding haddock fish in your daily meal will prevent the risk of cancer.
Good for the Brain
Aside from being a good heart companion, nutrients such as vitamin B-12 found in haddock will likely improve brain function. And aside from vitamin B-12, the phosphorus content of haddock also plays a big role in promoting cognitive health.
Good for the Heart
The aforementioned Omega-3 fatty acids found in haddock take part to reduce the pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, it also protects pregnant women from the risk of miscarriages and reduces the level of LDL cholesterol. Thus, low level of cholesterol in the body prevents the risk of heart diseases such as high blood pressure/hypertension and stroke.
Prevents Stomach Problems
Promoting digestive health is one of the health benefits that a haddock fish can offer. The phosphorus content of haddock fish takes part in promoting riboflavin and niacin to metabolize energy to emotional and neurological response functions. Thus, it deals with digestive problems such as constipation, bloating and indigestion. Adding fiber foods such as vegetables and fruits to your haddock fish can improve digestive process.
Maintains Healthy Cells
Vitamin B-12 and other vitamins are responsible for the maintenance, repair, and formation of red blood cells. As mentioned a while ago, Haddock contains vitamin B-12 and aside from the production of red blood cells, vitamin B-12 is also essential for nerve health.
Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
Apart from other health benefits that a haddock fish can offer, it is also helpful in the regulation of blood sugar in the body. It is mainly because of the potassium content of haddock as it increases insulin sensitivity and reduces inflammation. As a result, it prevents further risk of diabetes and any other related diseases. Undeniably, haddock is not just a simple fish type, after all!
