What are the health benefits of Eel?
Having a unique snake-like appearance is a characteristic of eels. Not only is it delicious when cooked, but this type of fish also has many health benefits.
Who doesn’t know eels? This type of fish with the Latin name Anguilla rostrata is commonly consumed by Indonesian people. Eel has a delicious taste, which makes it often present as a mainstay menu at every opportunity.
Apart from having a delicious taste, you cannot ignore the nutritional content of eels. Eels contain vitamin A and protein which are of course good for the body. Not only that, amino acids, carbohydrates, magnesium, calcium, iron and various other nutrients are also stored in eels.
So, it is not surprising that this fish, which is easily found in fresh water, has various benefits for your body. Here are the benefits of eating eels that are a shame to miss:
1. Eels are rich in nutrients
Did you know that eels are a source of animal protein that is high in nutrition? According to Panganku, 100 grams (gr) of fresh eel contains the following nutrients:
- Energy: 70 Cal
- Protein: 14.6 gr
- Fat: 0.8 gr
- Carbohydrates: 1.0 gr
- Calcium: 49 milligrams (mg)
- Phosphorus: 155 mg
- Iron: 1.5 mg
- Sodium: 55 mg
- Potassium: 169.0 mg
- Copper: 0.20 mg
- Zinc: 1.2 mg
- Thiamin (Vit. B1): 0.22 mg
- Riboflavin (Vit. B2): 0.12 mg
- Niacin (Niacin): 7.7 mg
So, you can make eels one of your daily protein menus, so that your food is varied.
2. Repairs Body Cells and Tissues
Cells and body tissues will definitely regenerate to maintain their function, such as hair, nails and skin. Cells in the skin, digestive tract and blood begin to change after one week so they need to be replaced by new cells.
The benefits of eel for repairing body tissue are obtained from the protein content in it. Protein is an important substance in the regeneration process.
3. Good for skin
Eel contains vitamin E which has antioxidant effects. Vitamin E is often found in various beauty products.
The vitamin E content is useful for protecting the skin from ultraviolet rays, maintaining skin moisture, and slowing the appearance of signs of aging. However, this effect still requires further research.
4. Can be used as MPASI for children
For those of you who are confused about thinking about the MPASI menu, eel could be the right choice.
Balanced nutrition is important in meeting your little one’s needs. Well, the content of various nutrients in eels is very beneficial for children’s growth and development, so eels are suitable for use as MPASI.
5. Beneficial for Bones
The next benefit of eels is keeping bones strong. This is because of the vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus content in eels. Apart from bones, teeth can also be healthy.
The reason is, the minerals contained in eels are equally needed by both bones and teeth.
6. Maintains digestive health
Who among you often has difficulty defecating? Well, it turns out that the benefits of consuming eel can also be felt by the digestive system, you know.
The magnesium content in eels can help increase water levels in the intestines. This way, the movement becomes smoother. However, further research is still needed on this matter.
7. Prevents Red Blood Cell Deficiency
Other ingredients in eel meat are folate and vitamin B12. Both are important in the formation of red blood cells. If the amount of B is low, it will cause anemia or a lack of red blood cells.
Lack of red blood cells will cause various health problems which will certainly interfere with daily activities. Therefore, you can consume eel as a way to prevent anemia.
8. Good for brain and nerve health
Eel is a source of animal protein which contains quite high levels of vitamin B1 and vitamin B6. Well, the two types of B vitamins in eels are useful for maintaining good brain function.
Vitamins B1 and B6 can maximize cognitive abilities and memory abilities.
9. Good for the Immune System
Eating eel is useful for strengthening your immune system. The various vitamins it contains will strengthen your body’s defense system so you don’t get sick easily.
Apart from that, minerals in eels such as zinc and selenium can help prevent viral and bacterial infections.
You already know, right, what are the benefits of eating eel meat? There is no harm in adding this fish as one of your daily menu choices. Don’t forget to combine it with other healthy foods and balance it with a healthy lifestyle.