Posted on 08/21/2022 9:22:59 AM PDT by SamAdams76
The health benefits of sardines may include the prevention of heart diseases and age-related macular degeneration. They may also help strengthen bones, boost the immune system, improve insulin resistance, and rejuvenate the skin.
Sardines are small, oily fish that belong to the family called Clupeidae. They are also known by the name pilchards in some places. They generally come in the form of canned fish and are commonly known as canned sardines. Although they are regarded as a single species, there are actually 21 types of fish that fall under the category of sardine.
The most popular species of sardines include Sardina, Sardinops, sardinella, and dussumieria. These fish are found mostly in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as well as in the Mediterranean Sea. According to a report, in the past, they were the most harvested fish around the world.
Sardines were one of the easiest fish to obtain and they were known to man for a few millennia. However, they rose to popularity during the early 18th century in Europe after the introduction of the canned version. The craze of eating these fish slowly crept to America as well, where they became very popular by the late 19th and early 20th century. The concept of canned fish became an instant hit in the United States. People actually found it to be one of the best ways to store food.
According to USDA, fish oil made from sardines contains energy and fats. Vitamins may include thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin B12, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K. The fatty acids found in them include total saturated fats, monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, and cholesterol. These fatty acids, vitamins, and trace mineral elements may help in the prevention of many diseases and promote overall health.
The presence of macro and micro-nutrients, in these fish, without having a high-fat content makes them very useful for our body. Below are some of its most important benefits.
Sardines can be rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which might be helpful in preventing heart diseases. Research by the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota has shown that omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) break down bad or LDL cholesterol in the body and thus help in preventing heart diseases.
Omega-3 fatty acids are also known to break down arterial plaque, which blocks arteries and increases blood pressure. By clearing the plaque, these fatty acids may help in controlling blood pressure as well.
Blood clots in the arteries can be dangerous for the cardiovascular system. Regular intake of omega-3 fats found in fish like sardines might be good for the heart because it may help in reducing cholesterol and blood pressure, thereby preventing stroke and atherosclerosis.
A fact sheet released by the National Eye Institute (NEI) says that age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that is usually seen among people aged 50 or more. Macular and retinal degeneration over the years results in loss of vision. Both NEI and the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggest that usage of fish like sardines may result in a reduced risk of developing AMD.
A cancer research report published by Dr. Powel Brown and Dr. Corey Speers in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute has shown that the intake of calcium and vitamin D might be very helpful in preventing certain types of cancers like breast cancer. Sardines are one of the best sources of calcium and vitamin D.
Sardines can be a good source of calcium, and regular calcium may help in strengthening bones. A good amount of calcium, coupled with exercise might strengthen bones and prevent diseases such as osteoporosis.
Consuming sardines may help in building up the immune system. Research by The Journal of Nutrition suggests that sardine fish oil may improve the immune system by increasing the count of immune cells.
The fats found in sardines may play an essential role at the cellular level in skin cells. The book “Forever Young: The Science of Nutrigenomics for Glowing, Wrinkle-Free Skin and Radiant Health at Every Age” by Dr. Nicholas Perricone says that sardines (cold water fish) may help in giving you radiant skin.
Insulin resistance is one of the major factors to look for in diabetes. In cases where there is insulin resistance, the insulin produced in the body is utilized less efficiently. This, in turn, means that there is more glucose in the blood than there usually should be. According to a 2012 study published in the International Journal of Molecular Medicine, sardine protein consumption may have a beneficial effect on fructose-induced metabolic syndrome on variables such as hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and oxidative and inflammatory status.
Sardines contain selenium, which may be helpful in neutralizing free radicals and protecting organs from damage.
Sardines are available in many varieties and are cheap compared to some other fishes. They are best when consumed fresh. Canned ones come in a variety of flavors, such as mustard flavor, seasoned with sauce, with or without salt, and other versions, and should be stored in a cool place. Depending on the taste, people make their own choice. Please do check the expiry date on the can.
Sardines are one that either you like or dislike. There seems
to be no middle ground. I’ve eaten since I was a kid and have
no problems but I understand that some may not like them.
Mrs. Chandler would cut the shark steaks into cubes, sprinkle them with garlic salt, wrap them with bacon, and stick them onto skewers. I would grill them over charcoal, sometimes over mesquite charcoal.
Wow, they were good.
King Oscar sardines are from the fjords of Norway: https://www.kingoscar.com/products/brisling-sardines/
Yes, beware of the soy oil variety it may turn you into a very unmanly soy-boy.
Thanks for clarification. They are probably canned in Poland, hence the confusion.
Bookmark bump
I don’t really notice much of a recent change, but like many items (dry roasted nuts, chips or pretzels) I wouldn’t be surprised if the amount of salt was lowered just to keep the Gluten-Frees and Vegans off their backs.
Great story!
I have not seen that brand.
I have actually eaten more anchovies in the last 20 years than sardines. I add them to salads, pizza, and pasta. I mash them up with garlic and tomato paste as an aromatic base in beef stews and similar dishes — I add them to fish stews as well and I occasionally finish off a half a can just with a cracker or two.
I like anchovies too
And mackerel
And fried mullet
That reminded me that I picked up a package of them at Costco yesterday, so I went to the kitchen and opened a can and had a snack.
Me too, while I eat sardines somewhat infrequently, I eat anchovies pretty much every week, love ‘Em.
That's what I just finished snacking upon.
Too many “mights” “mays” and “possibles”. It either does it or it doesn’t. This posting might be true. Or might not be true.
What a wonderful thread! I have loved sardines since the later 50’s onward. Just the olive oil kind. Drained with regular crackers and a cup of hot black tea with evaporated milk and a little sugar. That was my favorite after school or anytime snack. Still eat them and I keep a supply rotated from the pantry, I have a couple dozen cans in the pantry at all times. I do take out the bones most of the time. That’s good to know about the King Oscar brand.
Have you a viable alternative?
They still have the rectum, and all that it is hooked too, in them.
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