Sardines are an excellent source of vitamin B-12. This vitamin helps your cardiovascular system and gives you energy. In addition, these fish contain a healthy amount of vitamin D. Along with B-12, D is necessary for good bone health throughout your life.
Sardines are a type of small, oily fish that contain a lot of important nutrients. Both fresh and canned sardines have health benefits, including helping to fight inflammation and supporting the health of your heart, bones, and immune system.
Sardines are high in protein, rich in omega-3 fatty acids (associated with heart health benefits), and filled with certain important vitamins (especially D and B12) and minerals (such as calcium). However, sardines packed in oil are high in sodium and cholesterol, so daily consumption of them is not advisable.
The FDA recommends a weekly intake of two to three servings of sardines, or 8 to 12 ounces for adults and 4 to 6 ounces for children age 4 to 7. The FDA recognizes the health benefits of eating fish, especially for pregnant people and young children. Pregnant people can eat up to 12 ounces per week.
Cold-water oily fish such as sardines are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. Indeed, the silver-scaled fish in a can are dense with nutrients. One serving of the oily pilchards packs as much as 17 grams of protein and 50 percent of your recommended daily calcium intake for just 90 to 150 calories.
Sardines are an abundant source of EPA and DHA, which are two fatty acids that studies show your body can use to reduce inflammation.
Because sardines contain purines, which break down into uric acid, they aren't a good choice for those at risk of kidney stone formation. The high sodium in sardines can also increase calcium in your urine, which is another risk factor for kidney stones.
The tests showed that, based on recommended serving sizes, sardines and salmon contained much higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids than tuna. Sardines provided about 1,600 mg to 1,800 mg of DHA and EPA per 85 gram serving, while salmon provided 400 mg to 700 mg per 56 gram serving.
Lastly, sardines are packed with phosphorus, protein, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which play important roles in keeping your skin hydrated and glowing, according to Simpson.
You don't need a complicated recipe to enjoy sardines! Simply grab a fork and eat them straight out of the can for a healthy, protein-packed snack. You could add a drizzle of lemon juice, hot sauce, or balsamic vinaigrette on top if you want.
Potential Health Benefits of Canned Sardines They are highest in oily fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines. The American Heart Association recommends two servings per week of fatty fish, not fried, with each serving being about 3.5 ounces.
Sardines are up to two-thirds smaller now than they were 12 years ago as warming waters caused by climate change are killing the plankton they feed on. Researchers at the French oceanographic institute, Ifremer, have been studying the sizes of sardines in the Mediterranean sea and the Bay of Biscay in the Atlantic.
Sardines are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which help keep the scalp and follicles healthy. Studies show that omega-3 fats may reduce hair loss, increase hair density, and promote hair growth.
Sardines
“They're a wonderful source of omega-3 fatty acids, they're caught in the wild and they're cheap.” Sardines provide 2 grams of heart-healthy omega-3s per 3 ounce serving, which is one of the highest levels of omega-3 and the lowest levels of mercury of any fish.
The Best Sardines Are Packed in Olive Oil
There are a whole lot of options when it comes to sardines, but the best are packed in olive oil. Water-packed sardines just won't have the same rich flavor and can taste a bit water-logged. Oil, however, locks in the fish's flavor and keeps each sardine super-moist.
Note that sardines are stilllow in saturated fat and provide a good source of calcium. To get the most health benefit from omega-3-rich sardines,however, choose those packed in fish oil, water, olive oil, mustardor tomato sauce.
This tiny fish is low in calories and high in protein, making it an ideal choice for people trying to slim down. In addition, sardines are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help promote weight loss by reducing inflammation and preventing overeating.
Toasted bread, crackers, tortilla chips or something similar. Fresh lemon or lime wedges. Hot sauce to taste (optional)
While sardines can be enjoyed fresh, they are highly perishable. This is why they're most commonly found canned. Sardines are abundant in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Mediterranean seas. They feed on plankton only, which means they don't contain the high levels of mercury that other fish do.
Fish such as sardines, salmon, and tuna are chock full of omega-3 fatty acids and considered to be anti-inflammatory.
Sardines and other fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, combined with other lifestyle changes, have been shown to help increase gray matter in the brain. An increase in gray matter can help combat the development of some neurological disorders.
Fish Rich in Vitamin D
One of the best foods for your teeth are sardines, but any type of fish will be a good choice. Sardines are packed with Vitamin D and calcium, which are both necessary for healthy teeth. Plus, their edible bones are full of fluoride to protect your teeth from cavities.