What would you say if I told you that collagen, the protein present in the human connective tissue that helps keep our bodies firm and youthful, was actually found in abundance in fish?
You may be thinking that I have the human connective tissue in mind when I mentioned collagen, but you’d be wrong. While it is true that collagen helps keep our skin looking healthy and supple, it has so much more to do with the inside of our bodies.
In fact, collagen is vital for the proper functioning of many organs and bodily systems. Our bodies need it to stay strong and healthy.
Let’s take a look at how much collagen is contained in some of our favorite fish, shall we?
Table of Contents
Tilapia
One of the most well-known fish species is tilapia, which is commonly found in warm climates like the tropics. This fish naturally contains a lot of collagen, which gives it an intense white color that is reminiscent of egg whites. The flesh of this fish is also quite digestible and has a mild flavor. It’s definitely a foodie’s best friend!
Tilapia is a popular choice among fish-eaters due to its mild flavor and the fact that it is very easy to digest. This popular fish is quite affordable, too, making it a desirable option for those on a budget.
Salmon
You may be familiar with salmon, as this fish was at the center of a recent controversy surrounding its environmentally sustainable fishing practices and its future in the marketplace. This fish is quite the opposite of tilapia in terms of its look and texture, with the latter being quite mild and the former being rather firm. Depending on the type of salmon you get, the flesh can range from bright pink to dark red in color. However, all salmon is not created equal, as some are more prized than others depending on the market. For example, sockeye salmon can be incredibly expensive due to its rare and distinctive nature.
This fish is most well-known for its high-quality protein content and its fatty acids, which provide essential nutrients to the human body. Salmon is a healthy choice for those looking to gain weight as it is high in calories. However, its high fat content makes it a poor choice for those trying to stay fit.
Herring
Another well-known fish with a lot of collagen in it is herring. This fish is also often used as an example of a fish that does not belong in the sea because it is too abundant and causes too many problems for the rest of the fish population. Like salmon, the flesh of a herring ranges from bright pink to dark red, though the former is more the norm than the exception. Additionally, like the salmon, the herring’s nutritional value and quality of protein increase as the flesh gets darker. However, the fact that this fish is often considered a poor fish that causes problems for the rest of the animal kingdom means that there are some very economical choices when it comes to herring (like the famous Pickerfish, for example).
This fish is an excellent source of vitamin B12, which is necessary for human brain functioning. In addition to the vitamin B12, the herring also provides important nutrients like selenium, which helps protect the human immune system, and zinc, which is critical for human growth and development.
Mackerel
Mackerel is another fish that provides good nutrition as well as a lot of collagen. However, this fish is often considered a low-quality food because of its small size and lack of consistency. This fish gets its name from the Macaronesian Islands, where it was first identified as a food source. The small size of the mackerel makes it an excellent candidate for fishing since it is easily manageable. It can be caught using small fishing gear like handlines, and once it is caught, it can be prepared and served just like any other fish. Additionally, like other fish, the flesh of the mackerel is quite white, bright red, or deep pink in color, depending on the variety of this fish. This is another good example of an economical and sustainable food option that provides good nutrition.
Bluefish
Another popular choice among fish-eaters is bluefish, though it is often considered an oily fish that is best avoided by those seeking to maintain a slim shape. However, this fish is high in protein and low in cholesterol, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to improve their health. The small size of the bluefish makes it easy to catch, with whole fish often going for a few dollars at the local fish market. This is a good food option to serve your kids since it is quite a rare find for them to eat a fish that is smaller than their hands.
Additionally, the bluefish provides good fats, fiber, and vitamin D, though it is low in sodium, which is a common and dangerous additive in processed foods. This fish is quite affordable, making it accessible to those on a budget or simply seeking a food item that is high in protein.
Porgy
Lastly, we have the humble porgy, which is often considered a garbage fish that is best avoided when preparing food for humans. Though this may be true, it does not mean that it is entirely bad. The fact that it is often thrown away proves that there are many people who consider it a worthless fish, and more so since it has low economic value. This fish provides good fats, fiber, and nutrients like selenium and Vitamin B12, which are both necessary for human functioning. Additionally, it is quite high in cholesterol, which can be good for your heart or bad for your heart, depending on how you look at it. The best way to determine whether this fish is good for you is by looking at how you intend to use it โ if you are cooking it for yourself, then it is probably best avoided, as you can get similar nutrients from plants.
This is pretty much a list of everything that is physically located inside a fish. While there are many more organs and tissues that contribute to the overall health of a fish, these are the most vital ones. If your body needs a boost of collagen, then there are some excellent fish that you can choose from.