Do you know about the health benefits of this fish called monkfish?

Have you ever heard of a fish called monkfish? Maybe this name is a little new to you. Although this fish is not very common in our country, it is a very tasty and nutritious fish found in the Atlantic Ocean around America. The meat of this fish is said to have a slightly firm, lobster-like texture. So today, let's talk about this amazing-looking fish called monkfish and the health benefits it provides to our body.

What kind of fish is this monkfish?

Simply put, the monkfish is a very strange and unique-looking fish. Its upper side is brown and its underside is white. Its body is somewhat thin and elongated. But its most distinctive feature is its flat, large head and large mouth with long, needle-like teeth. Because of this, some people jokingly call this fish "just a mouth."

In addition, this fish has a small part that hangs from its head. It looks like a billy hook. It uses this to lure and catch prey like other small fish. For this reason, the monkfish is also included in the category of "angler fish". This fish can grow to be more than 4 feet long and weigh about 22 kilograms (50 pounds).

What are the health benefits of eating monkfish?

Monkfish is a fish that is packed with essential nutrients like protein, phosphorus, vitamins B6 and B12, and selenium . Let's take a look at what each of these benefits does for our body.

Protein

We call protein the "building blocks" of our lives. When we eat protein, our bodies break it down into amino acids, which are used to build new cells and repair damaged ones.

Additionally, protein helps repair and strengthen muscles after exercise. A protein-rich diet is also important for preventing sarcopenia , a condition in which muscle mass and function decrease with age.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is a mineral that is essential for the health of our bones and teeth . In fact, it is one of the most abundant minerals in our body. Most of the phosphorus in our body is found in our bones and teeth.

Here are some other important functions of phosphorus:

• Maintaining the body's energy level.
• Making our genetic material, DNA and RNA.
• Formation of cell membranes.
• Maintaining the body's pH (acidity) balance.
• Helping to carry oxygen throughout the body.
• Maintaining healthy functioning of the brain and nervous system.

Vitamins B6 and B12

Vitamin B6, also known as pyridoxine , has been found to help reduce the risk of developing some types of cancer. Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is naturally found in animal foods. It is essential for the development of our brain and nervous system . It also helps make DNA and red blood cells.

Selenium

Selenium is a trace mineral that our bodies need in very small amounts . But that small amount does a lot of work. It is an important component of proteins and enzymes called selenoproteins in our bodies. These are essential for making DNA, protecting cells from damage and infection, reproductive health, and thyroid hormone metabolism.

Selenium is mostly stored in our thyroid gland and muscles . Selenium also plays an important role in preventing thyroid disease, some cancers, and heart disease. If the body does not have enough selenium, autoimmune thyroid diseases such as Graves' disease and Hashimoto's disease can occur.

Are there any concerns about monkfish?

Yes, there are a few things to note. Monkfish meat contains low levels of mercury . This amount is not harmful to humans. But like anything, eating too much fish that contains mercury is not good for your health.

It is especially wise for young children and women who are expecting or pregnant to limit their intake of fish that contains mercury. However, for older adults, the benefits of nutrients like omega-3s from fish outweigh the small risks from mercury.

Monkfish has a slightly lower amount of omega-3 fatty acids compared to other types of fish (such as salmon and tuna).

How to make monkfish delicious?

Monkfish can be cooked in a variety of ways. The fish's tail is similar in flavor to lobster, which is why it is called "poor man's lobster." Its liver is also eaten as a type of sushi called "ankimo" in Japan.

You can grill this fish, sauté it, roast it in the oven, or even add it to soups.

Although this fish may not look very pretty, it is easy to buy from the store, simply remove the skin, fillet it, and cook it. Here is a very simple recipe:

Roast the monkfish pieces in a 400°F (200°C) oven with a little olive oil and seasoning for about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan and add the baby spinach and sauté until wilted, about 2 minutes. Finally, squeeze in a little lime juice. If desired, you can serve this dish with some sliced ​​almonds on top.

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