4 Health Benefits From Having Fish 

1.  Reduces your risk of memory loss

Studies show that eating fish as part of a regular diet seem to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Of note: fish oil supplements didn’t seem to have a significant effect on limiting Alzheimer’s. This means you need to eat fish for this benefit, which also likely suggests there are other factors at play.

2.  It lowers your risk of heart disease

One study, again published in JAMA, concluded that eating one to two servings of fish per week, “reduces risk of coronary death by 36% … and total mortality by 17%.” This is especially true when the fish is high in omega-3s. Another study found that in men ages 40 to 59, eating meals containing fish once or twice per week reduced their risk of dying from a heart attack by 50%. Some people are concerned about increased levels of mercury that come from eating a larger portion of fish each week. While it’s true that pregnant and nursing women and small children should limit their intake of certain types of fish, for everyone else “the benefits of eating fish usually outweigh the possible risks of exposure to contaminants,” the Mayo Clinic states.

3.  It reduces inflammation and reduces symptoms of joint pain from rheumatoid arthritis

Inflammation in the body can damage blood vessels and lead to heart disease, eating fish twice per week can reduce this risk.

4.  It can lower high blood pressure

High blood pressure is a leading cause of heart attacks and strokes, which together are the leading causes of death in Canada. If you have serious high blood pressure, eating fish probably won’t be the only treatment you need. (Exercise and medication might also be recommended by your doctor.) However, studies have shown eating fish can help to regulate cholesterol levels, which will help reduce the risk of health complications that often go along with high blood pressure.