For many of our visitors, Louisiana charter fishing is all about the thrill and adventure of the activity. For them it’s about being out on the water with friends and/or family, witnessing the beauty of the area, and perhaps taking part in one of our dolphin tours. But many others enjoy fishing for a more practical reason – they love its taste. There is a universal agreement that fish are among the healthiest kinds of food that a person can consume. This is true whether the fish is from fresh or saltwater. Here are just some of the benefits of eating fish.
- Fish is high in Vitamin D: According to a 2011 study by Forrest KY, Stuhldreher WL., nearly 40% of the US population is lacking vitamin D. Among its many benefits, Vitamin D helps
alleviate the symptoms of arthritis, prevents coronary artery disease, heals wounds, and promotes cognitive performance. Vitamin D is also thought to help decrease the risk of cancer. - Fish is good for skin and hair: Research has shown that omega-3 consumption may be useful in the treatment of skin conditions such as psoriasis. Omega-3s are a kind of healthy fat that is plentiful in fish and that helps keep skin looking nourished and hair looking shiny.
- Fish Boost Brain Development: Fish is not called “brain food” for nothing. The Omega 3s contained in fish help the brain function optimally and is even linked to a reduction in certain cognitive disorders.
- Fish may help prevent and treat depression: Studies have found that omega-3 fatty acids enhance the effectiveness of certain anti-depressants. (Just being out on the water with a Louisiana fishing guide can help take a person’s mind off of his/her troubles.)
- Fish may protect your vision in old age: A condition called macular degeneration commonly affects the elderly. This disease leads to visual impairment and sometimes blindness. At least one study has shown that eating fish just once a week can result in a 53% decreased risk of neovascular (“wet”) macular degeneration.
So, whether you catch and release or simply enjoy being out on the water with friends and family, eating fish is a smart thing to do. There is really no downside to fishing except that you might become addicted to the activity. (There are many worse addictions out there.) See you this spring and summer.