Opinion | Fish, the nutritional powerhouse & a remedy for human Nutrition.

In world, complex dietary advice can be overwhelming but fish offers a straightforward remedy for better health. Its rich nutrient profile supports heart health, brain function and overall vitality. A famous Kashmiri proverb “Khar kya zaani zafron kya gov”, that translates to “Donkey doesn’t know what saffron is”. As market is overcrowded with the range of different products, it’s our obligation not to ignore the better quality products. Fish is not just a delicious choice but it is a nutritional powerhouse that can make a significant difference in the health of a person.
The first week of September is ‘Nutrition Week’ and the theme for 2024 is “Nutritious Diets for Everyone”. The theme supports the United Nations goals for sustainable development. In India, National Nutrition week was first celebrated in 1982, introduced by the Central Government to address malnutrition and promote balanced diets. Since then, it has become a key health initiative aimed at improving nutrition, especially among vulnerable groups, and encouraging a healthy, sustainable lifestyle.
Fish is a nutritional goldmine, a repository of essential nutrients that are often difficult to obtain from other sources. Rich in high-quality protein, fishes provide all the amino acids necessary for maintaining muscle mass and overall bodily function. Nutritional benefits of the fish go far beyond protein. Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), majorly cultured in the cold waters of Kashmir valley is very rich in omega-3 fatty acids and that’s comparatively better than other fishes available in the local markets usually.
The snow trout (Schizothorax species), a fish endemic to Kashmir valley and available in the tributaries of river Jhelum is also significantly higher in the omega-3 fatty acids which are crucial for heart health. These fats help to reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and decrease the risk of heart disease. For appeasing the taste buds, there are number of other fishes from family cyprinidae and family salmonidae etc available locally in the valley of Kashmir.
Moreover, fish is an excellent source of vitamin D, a nutrient vital for bone health and immune function. Many people struggle to get sufficient vitamin D from sunlight alone, making fish a valuable dietary option. Additionally, fish provides important minerals like iodine, which supports thyroid function, and selenium, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
Recent research underscores the significance of including fish in our diets. A comprehensive study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that consuming fish regularly can lower the risk of cardiovascular events by up to 30%. Another study in Nutrients highlighted the role of omega-3 fatty acids in improving brain health, potentially reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least twice a week to reap the health benefits.
Hippocrates rightly said “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food”. Considerable attention should be given while choosing the right food and dietary importance of fishes in human nutrition has incredibly a towering prospective position.
Mr UMAR RASOOL PARRY
PhD Research Scholar, Division of Fish Nutrition & Biochemistry
SKUAST-Kashmir