Fish continue to be one of the most traded food commodities worldwide. 17% of the global population’s animal protein intake is met by Fish. The annual per capita requirement of 15-20 kg Protein by year 2050 can be met by 125-210 million tonnes of fish. Fish is rightly referred to as “Rich Food for Poor People” because of the following reasons :
• It provides essential nourishment with both macronutrients and micronutrients.
• Fish contain low-fat high-quality protein with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins.
• Fish is rich in calcium and phosphorus and it is also a great source of minerals, such as iron, zinc, iodine, magnesium, and potassium.
• On a fresh-weight basis, fish contains a good quantity of protein, about 18-20%, and all the eight essential amino acids including the sulphur-containing lysine, methionine, and cysteine.
• Generally, fish have less fat compared to red meats and the fat content ranges from 0.2% to 25%. development in unborn babies.
It reduces risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight.
• The fat aids in the proper absorption of fat-soluble vitamins namely A, D, E, and K and is a major source of energy.
• Fish is a power house of vitamins, especially vitamins A and D from fatty species, as well as thiamine, riboflavin and niacin (vitamins B1, B2 and B3).
• Vitamin D present in fish liver and oils is crucial for bone health and development as it is essential for the absorption and metabolism of calcium.