Fish for Your Health
By Brandi Goodman
There's never a bad time of year to fish. Whether there's ice on the water and you need to drill a spot, or the sun is shining and the water is warm, you'll find fish in the right area and the right time of day. Fishing isn't just an activity to do. It's good for your health. Eating fish is good for you as well.
The Health Benefits of Fishing
Fishing can bring you stress relief. When the weight of the world feels like it's on your shoulders, or you simply have too much on your mind, go fishing. You get away for a while and can enjoy the peace and quiet the activity brings. You'll be able to focus your mind on the fish you're hoping to catch and watching your line as it dips and pulls.
Although it's low-impact, fishing can count as exercise. Walking down to the shore line and wading into the water gives you the opportunity to burn a few calories as you stretch and move your lower body. Casting the line and reeling it in causes some movement and work for your arms. You won't burn many calories, but you can burn a few. You'll burn even more if you use an older style boat that really works your arm muscles as you row out to a good spot.
The Health Benefits of Eating Fish
The real health benefits come from eating the fish you catch. You can boost your brain power due to the omega-3 fatty acids found within fish. You'll want to try to catch salmon, tuna, trout, or herrings. These options are some of the fattiest with not as much mercury as other choices. You should fish twice per week if you want to get the benefits of better brain function, a reduced risk of depression, and lowered blood pressure.
Fish provide more than just omega-3s. You'll get a good source of Vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, and Vitamin B2 as well. Potassium, iron, zinc, and magnesium are also plentiful in many types of fish. You'll want fish for its protein content, too. Protein helps to keep you feeling full, so it's great for meal and snack times. Halibut and cod are two types of fish particularly high in protein.
There are benefits both in consuming fish and catching fish. Add the activity to your list of options and the food to your menu for a boost in mental and physical well-being.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Cary, N.C.