#1: Sardines are very high in omega-3 fatty acids. They are a wonderful natural source of high-quality omega-3 fatty acids. Sardines nutrition provides both EPA and DHA. Fatty acids are used in our bodies for many purposes. Among the most important, they act as lubricants for the joints to keep the cell membranes flexible, and as general anti-inflammatory substances that are essential for health. They are also extremely important for the nervous system as well.
#2: Sardines are high in vitamin D3. So many people are deficient in Vitamin D these days, that food and sunshine do not provide enough of it, even if we are spending time outside. Vitamin D is involved in multiple repair and maintenance functions, touches thousands of different genes, regulates your immune system, and much more. Sardines are a rich source of this very essential vitamin that helps meet daily recommended values with over 40% in one can.
#3: Sardines are sustainable, and the least contaminated. The small size of the sardine means that it has less opportunity to pick up and accumulate mercury and toxins. The skinless and boneless are even lower in mercury, with up to 50% less mercury than regular sardines because apparently the mercury concentrates in the sardine’s spinal cord that is removed in the boneless ones. All the larger fish, even salmon, can concentrate mercury up to a million times more than the lowly sardine. Larger fish can be very high in mercury and lot of my clients have mercury show up quickly on hair mineral tests if they have been eating salmon even once per week. Sardines are also believed to be one of the most abundant and sustainable sources of fish today.
#4: Sardines are high in protein. Sardines provide a complete and balanced protein that we easily utilize. Consuming food with essential fats and protein is especially important for people who have blood sugar concerns.
#5: Sardines are very high in RNA and DNA. They are rich in purines. These are nucleic acids that are proteins needed to rebuild body tissues. For fast oxidizers, in particular, they can balance the oxidation rate. However, they are fine for everyone.
#6: Sardines provide bioavailable minerals. The word bioavailable means how usable a particular mineral or substance is. Usable means that it must be digested, absorbed, and find its way into the correct body cells. Then, when its function is over, it must be able to be easily eliminated from the body so that it does not accumulate as a toxin and clog up the body. Sardines contain many bioavailable minerals, among them calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, some zinc, and others.
#7: Sardines are very high in coenzyme Q10. CoQ10 is an essential nutrient that most people do not get enough of. It is required for energy production in the cells and is especially important for the health of the heart and the brain. Sardines are among the richest food sources of coenzyme Q10.
#8: Sardines provide healthful organ meat and nerve tissue. When sardines are processed, the heads are removed, but the organs remain and are healthful, in moderation.
#9: Sardines are wild caught. Most all sardines are still caught with nets in the ocean. This means they eat what they like, swim where they wish and are a lot healthier and cleaner than most fish sold today. Please make sure to purchase and eat wild caught fish and avoid the farm raised whenever you can. I like the skinless and boneless varieties. To be honest, I really don’t like the other kinds but I have some clients that love them all.
#10: Sardines are low in cost, and high in convenience. Sardines are relatively low in cost, much less than other fish. They are also convenient because they come cooked and easily eaten. Wilson finds no problems with the aluminum or steel cans in which they are packed. I like and recommend the ones labeled BPA-free just in case. Dr. Wilson feels the canned sardines are actually better preserved and, therefore, fresher than most “fresh” fish that are sometimes transported thousands of miles before they are cooked. Canned sardines are widely available in most grocery stores. I encourage you to start experimenting with sardines today, in order to take advantage of their notable benefits! By eating 3 to 4 cans each week, most people will get enough omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin D for your body’s needs and you won’t have to worry about supplementing.
Disclaimer: The information contained herein is not to be construed as medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition. These statements made have not been approved by the FDA, nor should they be taken as a substitute for medical advice from a licensed physician.
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