Cod from Restaurants Helps Fight Health Conditions like Heart Disease

Cod is nutritious, low in calories and low in fat. It is an excellent source of protein with around 19 grams per 3-ounce serving. It is also a good source of important nutrients including phosphorus, Vitamin B-12 and niacin. Three ounces of cod has around 90 calories and less than a gram of fat.

Cod is also great for your heart. Regularly eating fish can lower your risk of heart attacks and heart disease. Cod is a cold water fish, and these are particularly beneficial for people who have diabetic heart disease and atherosclerosis. Both the vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 found in cod reduce levels of the damaging molecule homocysteine, and this reduces the likelihood of a stroke or a heart attack. The niacin in cod can also reduce cholesterol levels linked to heart attacks.

The blood-thinning qualities of the omega-3 fats found in cod are just one benefit. Omega-3 can also have a significant impact on cognitive decline and the development of Alzheimer's disease. A number of different studies have linked consumption of omega-3 fats with reduced cognitive decline. One showed that eating just over 2 ounces of fish per week could improve scores on tests for cognitive skills. The omega-3 fat DHA increases the production of a protein that destroys the plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Studies have also shown that omega-3 fats can protect against age-related macular degeneration. There may be as much as a 75 percent reduction in macular degeneration if you eat cod at least three times per week.

Ordering cod in restaurants can be a great way to keep your heart healthy, your brain active and your eyesight sharp.

Sources:
Cod, Seafood Health Facts

Cod, The World’s Healthiest Foods