{"id":10377,"date":"2019-09-06T08:56:48","date_gmt":"2019-09-06T08:56:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=10377"},"modified":"2021-06-28T18:07:10","modified_gmt":"2021-06-28T18:07:10","slug":"16-fabulous-health-benefits-of-anchovies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/16-fabulous-health-benefits-of-anchovies\/","title":{"rendered":"16 Fabulous Health Benefits of Anchovies"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Anchovies are small fish found in saltwater. There are over 100 species of anchovies and their habitat spans multiple oceans. They are classified as forage fish due to the fact that they are often preyed on by larger predatory fish that inhabit the same area as them. The Mediterranean Sea is a particular hotspot when it comes to catching anchovies which is why it should come as no surprise that they\u2019re prominent in both European and Arabian cuisines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They travel in packs \u2014 or rather, schools \u2014 which is why it\u2019s so easy to capture a large clump of these fish with a single net. It might surprise you to know that these small and common fish actually hold many health benefits that you could take advantage of by incorporating them into your diet. Let\u2019s get into the eight health benefits that anchovies have to offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Weight loss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Losing weight is hard, but losing weight while still staying healthy is way harder. Fortunately, there are some \u201chacked foods\u201d that can help you shed pounds without compromising your overall health. Anchovies are one of these. This is due to the fact that their protein count is very high despite the fact that their calories are much lower than average.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The disproportionate distribution of protein <\/a>and calories allows you to get a lot of protein \u2014 which your body needs to function \u2014 while still eating at a caloric deficit each day making it far easier to lose weight. Studies also show that eating anchovies will suppress the production of your hunger hormones reducing cravings and ensuring that you don\u2019t gain your weight back. If you want to look slimmer for the summer but still want to have the energy to enjoy beach season then get some anchovies on your plate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Eye health<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another way that anchovies <\/a>can benefit you is subjective \u2014 it lies in the eye of the beholder. Okay, it\u2019s not actually subjective but it is related to your eyes. Anchovies are very rich in vitamin A. In fact, out of all fish, they have some of the highest vitamin A levels per gram. As we all know, vitamin A improves your eye health and can stave off various ocular conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, glaucoma is a common eye condition that has long plagued humanity. That being said, a recent study found that the regular consumption of anchovy sauce can slow the progression of glaucoma and even reduce its severity. Furthermore, there are also countless studies showing that incorporating a lot of anchovies into your diet will reduce your risk of developing cataracts. Don\u2019t take our word for it, just see for yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Potassium<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Anchovies have a lot of potassium <\/a>in them. In fact, they\u2019re often a preferred alternative for those who want to get potassium but aren\u2019t overly fond of the taste of bananas. Potassium is important for various bodily functions. Anyone who\u2019s been unlucky enough to deal with potassium deficiency at one point in their life can attest to its importance in living a healthy life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The high potassium content in anchovies can boost your digestion and keep your muscles healthy. Furthermore, it can also prevent the formation of kidney stones by ensuring that the salt and minerals don\u2019t build up around that area. If you\u2019re worried that you\u2019re going to have a stroke soon then you should really be eating anchovies as the potassium in it will drastically reduce your chances of suffering a stroke within your lifetime. For an all-around protector, eat some anchovies and bask in their potassium-rich benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Calcium<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A single serving of anchovies can get you almost 150 mg of calcium<\/a>. Who said that a glass of milk was the only way to keep your bones healthy? As a matter of fact, many people who are lactose intolerant rely on anchovies to meet their daily requirements with regard to calcium. Beyond strengthening your teeth and bones, calcium can also boost the health of other areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, studies show that patients who suffer from chronic hypertension will see a drop in their blood pressure after getting enough calcium on a day to day basis. There have even been studies showing that, when calcium is paired with vitamin D, it can prevent various types of cancers. When a single fish can strengthen your bones, lower your blood pressure, and protect you from cancer all in one blow you\u2019re supposed to eat it faster rather than asking questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Iron<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another thing that makes anchovies so healthy is the fact that they contain high amounts of iron<\/a>. As you might already know, getting enough iron is paramount to keeping your red blood cell count high. If the amount of red blood cells in your body starts to drop below average then you\u2019ll feel fatigued and won\u2019t be as energetic, especially when performing taxing activities such as homework or heavy workouts at the gym.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Furthermore, if the red blood cell count in your body drops too low then you\u2019ll become anemic. Eating anchovies is the easiest way to prevent this as the iron content found in the fish will ensure that the production of red blood cells runs smoothly without a hitch. Your immune system will also be far healthier when you get enough iron regularly, serving as a bonus benefit to eating anchovies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Vitamin E<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While vitamin E<\/a> may not be as popular as some of the other vitamins, it can be just as important to keeping you healthy. First of all, it helps your body hang onto the vitamins C and A that you get through food. Much like iron, it can also boost your immune function ensuring that you don\u2019t get sick as often. When you couple this with the fact that it helps you retain vitamin C \u2014 another immune-boosting vitamin \u2014 then you\u2019ve got a cocktail for health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vitamin E has also been known to reduce or even prevent inflammation. This makes anchovies ideal for patients who are dealing with a condition like arthritis and wants to make the inflammation go away through vitamin E. It has also been said that vitamin E contains various anti-aging properties. If you want to stay young and avoiding getting sick then eat some vitamin E-rich anchovies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Polyunsaturated fats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You might be wondering why the presence of fat is a good thing. Well, in this case, it\u2019s a good thing because polyunsaturated fats reduce the levels of bad cholesterol in your body. While commonly called \u201cbad cholesterol\u201d the actual term that medical professionals use is LDL cholesterol. LDL can cause a plethora of problems if levels get too high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By eating more anchovies and lowering the LDL levels in your body you\u2019ll be able to stave off various conditions such as atherosclerosis <\/a>\u2014 which is the buildup of cholesterol in your arteries. There have also been various studies showing that the regular consumption of polyunsaturated fats can reduce the risk of you developing type 2 diabetes. Heart disease can also be prevented through the regular intake of polyunsaturated fats. To get LDL out of your system, start eating more anchovies with your meals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Omega-3<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Of course, any list covering the health benefits of a fish species wouldn\u2019t be complete if omega-3<\/a> wasn\u2019t mentioned. We\u2019ve really saved the best for last in this case. There are so many health benefits that omega-3 brings. It should really have an article of its own. Anchovies contain high levels of omega-3 fish oil that can work wonders for your health. First of all, it boosts your mental health by preventing depression and reducing the severity of those who are already depressed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It can also improve your eye health and promote the healthy development of children\u2019s brains. Children who suffer from ADHD may also notice a reduction in their symptoms if they get enough omega-3. Various types of heart disease can also be prevented if you regularly consume omega-3. The reap all the benefits that omega-3 has to offer, eat some anchovies with each meal and see as it works its wonders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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