Demand for hilsa rises as soon as the monsoon arrives, and the national fish becomes easy to find. It is not only tasty but also very good for health. During the monsoon many households cook some hilsa dish almost every day, yet many people may not know what eating hilsa daily does for the body.

Hilsa is an oily fish containing various vitamins and minerals. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, chromium, selenium, polyunsaturated fatty acids, potassium, iodine and zinc, all nutrients the body needs.

As a sea fish, hilsa is rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which help reduce inflammation and the risk of heart disease and support proper foetal development. Eating hilsa also improves blood circulation.

Hilsa has much less saturated fat than other fish and plenty of omega-3 fatty acids. Together these help lower blood triglycerides and raise good cholesterol, keeping the heart healthy.

Many people suffer from joint pain. The omega-3 fatty acids in hilsa help prevent osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Because omega-3 fatty acids have immunomodulating properties, they act as precursors of the lipid mediators of inflammation and so can help regulate the inflammatory response.

Hilsa is also good for the lungs. Various studies show that sea fish improve lung health, and since hilsa is a sea fish, its nutrients also help keep the lungs healthy. It is considered excellent for people with asthma.

Hilsa helps eyesight too. Its omega-3 fatty acids help prevent diseases such as macular degeneration, and it also contains vitamin A, which protects against night blindness.

Hilsa helps build muscle. It contains an amino acid called L-arginine, which is involved in making protein in the body and helps build muscle and rebuild tissue. Being rich in protein, hilsa helps maintain muscle.

The fish is also good for the skin and stomach. Its omega-3 fatty acids protect the skin from the sun's ultraviolet radiation, and eating fish every day protects against eczema and psoriasis. The protein in hilsa is a component of collagen, a fibrous, rigid, insoluble protein that acts as a supporting structure and binds cells together.

The vitamin C in hilsa also helps form collagen, maintaining the skin's flexibility and elasticity. Collagen keeps the skin firm and soft, helping to prevent premature ageing. Eating hilsa greatly reduces stomach problems, and omega-3 fatty acids protect the body from stomach ulcers and colitis.

Hilsa is good for bone health. Its vitamin D helps maintain healthy bones and muscles. According to the NHS, vitamin D helps regulate calcium and phosphate in the body, keeping bones strong and healthy for a long time. The fish also contains calcium and iron.

The fatty acids in hilsa support brain development and the growth of nerve cells. The human brain is 60 per cent fat, and fatty acids improve blood circulation in the brain. The vitamin B12 in hilsa keeps nerve cells healthy.

Hilsa contains a trace mineral called chromium, which helps maintain blood sugar levels, while selenium protects cells from damage and infection.

According to experts, you can eat hilsa daily to get all its nutrients, but it must be eaten in proper quantities. Overeating is not advised, as it can harm the body.

Many people are allergic to hilsa and should not eat it without a doctor's advice. Because of the risk of marine pollutants such as dioxins, mercury and other heavy metals, pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised not to eat hilsa.

Sources cited: Health and Healthier / Organic Facts.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.