NEWS

Information about Dried Anchovy

Nowadays, large amounts of fish varieties available in the market contain toxic amounts of chemicals, which can lead to detrimental health effects. One of these chemicals is mercury.

Usually, large fishes contain high amounts of mercury because the percentage is directly proportional to their lifespans. Some examples of fishes that are high in mercury are marlin and tuna. Small fishes, like anchovies, contain the least amount of mercury because they can’t retain it.

But aside from its low amounts of mercury, anchovies offer impressive amounts of nutrients that you can surely benefit from. Continue reading to learn more about this fish and why it’s a good idea to add it to your diet.

What is an Anchovy?

An anchovy is a small oily fish that is abundant in the Pacific. Anchovies usually travel in schools, making it easier for fishermen to catch large amounts of their population. However, this has led to numerous manufacturers to overfish, eventually endangering the stability of its population around the world. This pushed numerous countries to establish strict fishing regulations to limit anchovy fishing.

Anchovies have been part of the culinary world for centuries, having been used by the Roman civilization in making “garum,” a type of fermented fish made up of anchovies, brine, fish innards and aromatic fresh herbs. This was usually used as a condiment or as an addition to different dishes and meals. Anchovies were also eaten raw so as to trigger an aphrodisiac effect.

Nowadays, anchovies are available fresh, preserved in glass jars or tin cans, or dried. Because of their pungent fishy smell, people often turn their noses and refuse to even try anchovies. But together with their refusal to eat this fish, they’re refusing healthy amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins and many more nutrients necessary for the body to function as well.

By knowing how to prepare this fish the correct way, you’ll be able to appreciate its flavor and acquire a plethora of impressive health benefits.

What Are the Health Benefits That Anchovies Have to Offer?

Even though anchovies are small and usually incorporated in recipes to only boost the flavor, they actually contain high amounts of minerals and nutrients. Even adding a small serving of anchovies to a dish can lift its nutritional content. Here are some of the health benefits you can get from these small fishes:

• Minimizes the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Anchovies have high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, healthy unsaturated fats that help in preventing inflammation and cardiovascular diseases. In addition to this, they have good amounts of calcium and magnesium, essential minerals that regulate blood pressure and circulation. Their niacin content also contributes to the lowering of cholesterol and triglycerides.
• Promotes skeletal health. This type of fish contains calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which help the body maintain and improve bone health and bone growth.
• Assists in tissue and cell repair. Anchovies are abundant in protein that is needed for cell metabolism and tissue repair. This helps in triggering a healing effect in the body, especially when there’s damage or injury present.
• Aids in weight loss. Anchovies are low in calories and high in protein. The high amounts of protein help in triggering a body response that makes you feel full, while also limiting your calorie intake.