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We should all know by now that fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for us. But many people have concerns about feeding fish to kids, because of mercury pollution in our environment. Check out this article for the lowdown on what kinds of fish to feed kids and how much. That being said, let’s take a look at some of the reasons feeding your kids fish is well worth investigating what kinds are best.
Bone and Muscle
Fish is an excellent source of lean protein, an essential building block for your whole body. It’s necessary for the growth and repair of all your tissue and is especially crucial for kids experiencing a growth spurt or involved in athletics. Fish is also packed with vitamin D, essential for strong bones and teeth, and the proper absorption of calcium.
Asthma and Immune Function
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Studies like this one suggest that omega fatty acids can play a role in reducing inflammation for kids with asthma, helping to control the disease and reduce symptoms, which, of course, improves quality of life. And a 2013 study suggests that fish not only suppresses inflammation but can also have positive immune health-boosting effects.
Eye Health
One of the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is found in high concentration in the healthy human retina. This suggests that DHA plays a vital role in visual health. Animal studies have shown that decreasing retinal DHA results in reduced visual functioning. Keeping the eyes healthy for life is another great reason to incorporate fish into your kid’s diet.
Stress and Sleep
Not only can omega-3 intake potentially help kids with behaviour issues, but they can also help parents with their own behaviour towards the kids, which creates a wonderful positive feedback loop. Less stress for everyone involved! Greater fish consumption has also been associated with better sleep quality in kids, creating another positive feedback loop.
Cognition
Image by Chhumvichhouk Rounh from Pixabay.
Cognitive benefits are probably fish’s biggest claim to fame, and evidence strongly suggests that kid’s brains can benefit, too. One study showed a nearly five-point increase in IQ scores among fish-eating children! There is also evidence that fish consumption can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s, and is even associated with bigger brain size in ageing adults. So, if you aren’t going to put fish on the table for your kids, do it for grandma.
Conclusion
If all of the above doesn’t convince you to put fish on the table once or twice a week, there is also evidence that it is also great for heart health. Because of mercury contamination in our oceans, rivers, lakes, and streams, it is probably a good idea to limit your fish consumption to once or twice a week. For affordable, healthy, sustainably caught fish for you and your family, it might very well be worth checking out box delivery options, like the #FitWithFish option from Seafood by Sykes. With services like this, you get a box of healthy frozen fish, some of it so fresh it was frozen while still on the boat. It’s a great way to turn your kids into fish eaters for life!
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