Herring Fish-  A Nutrient Dense Food for Brain Health

Herring, is a small silver forage fish that lives in shallow temperate waters of the North Pacific and North Atlantic Oceans, including the Baltic Sea as well as off the west coast of South America. Because they’re small and near the bottom of the food chain, herring doesn’t accumulate the contaminants like mercury that can be found in larger fish such as salmon or tuna.

A nutrient-dense food, herring contains large concentrations of nutrients all which affect our health, growth, and development. This nutritious fish is rich in healthy fats, EPA, DHA, oleic acid, vitamins A, D, E, iron, zinc, copper and selenium.

An excellent source of lean protein, and essential amino acids, herring contains 20 grams of protein in one serving.

It’s well-known that herring is a rich source of healthy marine omega-3 fatty acids, which has shown to nourish, protect and enhance the brain. Studies have shown that consuming omega 3 can “increase learning, memory, cognitive well-being, and blood flow in the brain.”

Rich in antioxidants vitamin E and selenium, both of these nutrients play a role in the immune system and help minimize the damage caused by free radicals.

Herring contains vitamin B12, which supports many functions throughout the body, including proper brain function. Together with folate (vitamin B9), it helps the body create red blood cells.

Herring is a popular dish in many parts of Europe including Scandinavia, Great Britain, the Baltic, Eastern and Central Europe, as well as the Netherlands. Herring can be served in many ways. Based on regional recipes herring can be eaten raw, fermented, pickled, cured and smoked. It is delicious served in oil or in cream.

Expand your pallet by introducing herring into your diet. You may just like it.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9641984/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9077255/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/herring

Smell, Taste, Enjoy. Be Mindful of the Food You Eat.