10 Amazing Health Benefits of Anchovies

Anchovies are often used as bait to catch bigger fish. However, these tiny fish are packed with healthy vitamins and minerals from vitamin A to selenium. They are also rich in protein and healthy fatty acids like omega-3s. Anchovies are known for being a small fish with a powerful punch of flavor. You should consider adding them to your regular diet. Fresh varieties have a better nutritional label compared to canned options. You can incorporate them into your favorite dishes like pasta, pizza, and casseroles.

Promotes Healthy Eyes

The tiny fish is packed with vitamin A. Several studies have revealed that vitamin A is essential for eye health. Consuming high levels of it will not only reduce the appearance of eye degradations, but it can also help prevent macular degeneration in general. It can also prevent other eye-related disorders like cataracts. Who knew eating anchovies could protect your eyes?

Creates Smooth Muscle Contractions

If you are tired of eating bananas for potassium, add some anchovies to your diet. They have about 383 mg per serving. Potassium not only helps your heart, but it is necessary for your body to have smooth muscle contractions. If you are searching for normal muscular function as well as digestion, try anchovies.

Helps Prevent Some Cancers

Anchovies are rich in selenium. This nutrient can help with a number of health ailments including cardiovascular diseases. However, selenium can also help prevent stomach cancer, prostate cancer, as well as skin cancer or lung cancer according to Medline Plus. The tiny fish has 36 mcg of selenium per serving.

Prevents Iron Deficiency

Did you that anchovies were a rich source of iron? Just 20 grams of the tiny fish contain 12 percent of your recommended daily amount for men and about five percent for women. Your body needs iron to help transport oxygen. The mineral is also essential for cells to maker energy and kills bacteria. Eating more anchovies can also prevent anemia, an iron-deficiency disorder.

Improves Heart Health

Anchovies have large amounts of polyunsaturated fats that can help lower bad LDL cholesterol. In turn, your risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke lowers, too. Omega-3 fatty acids found in anchovies might inhibit unhealthy cholesterol from clinging to the artery walls so it can be removed from the body.

Promotes Healthy Skin

You might not think a fishy food would create healthy skin, but eating anchovies might help your complexion thanks to omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and selenium. These nutrients are known to help prevent breakouts as well as reduce fine lines, wrinkling, and delay the onset of premature aging. Anchovies can even help fight against sunburn thanks to the vitamin E; in turn, you might be able to lower your chances of skin cancer.

Repairs Tissues and Cells

Do you need to boost your immunity? Eating more anchovies can help your body’s ability to heal itself. Rich in protein, consuming the small fish means your body can repair and regrow connective tissue. It also can help cell metabolism function efficiently. If it can help your skin, it only makes sense that anchovies would also repair tissues and cells.

Strengthens Bones and Teeth

Both calcium and vitamin A found in anchovies can help your bones grow strong. Consuming these vitamins and minerals will also lower the chance of developing osteoporosis and other bone conditions. Not only can this little fish help fight bone degradation, but its calcium is ideal for protecting teeth, too. If you want to have strong, healthy teeth, try eating some anchovies.

Aids in Weight Loss

With a low-calorie count and a high amount of protein, this tiny fish can help you shed a few pounds. The protein will not only give you health benefits on its own, but it will also leave you feeling fuller quicker. That way, your hunger is satisfied, and you prevent overeating. Anchovies are a healthy fish that can help you lose weight.

Prevents Toxicity

Since fish contain mercury, you have to be careful about overeating. They might also have other environmental toxins in their bodies, too. Luckily, smaller fish have fewer toxins thanks to their short lifespan. Not only will you reap all of the health benefits of anchovies, but you don’t have to worry about having too much mercury in your body.