for your enjoyment and that of travellers…(Qur'an, 5:96)
The fact the average age of people developing and dying from heart
disease is constantly decreasing has considerably increased the
importance attached to coronary health. Although a great many advances
have been registered in the treatment of heart disease, experts in the
field basically recommend that careful precautions be taken before
such diseases ever arise. Experts also recommend one important
foodstuff for the healthy functioning of the heart and the prevention
of disease: fish.
The reason why fish is such an important source of nutrition is that
it both provides substances necessary for the human body and also
reduces the risk of various diseases. For example, it has been
revealed that when fish—which acts as a shield in terms of health with
the omega-3 acid it contains—is consumed on a regular basis, it
reduces the risk of heart disease and strengthens the immune system.
The fact that fish, the health benefits of which have only newly been
scientifically registered, is an important nutritional source is
revealed in the Qur'an. Almighty Allah makes the following references
to seafood in the Qur'an:"It is He Who made the sea subservient to you
so that you can eat fresh flesh from it..."(Qur'an, 16:14),"Anything
you catch in the sea is lawful for you, and all food from it, for your
enjoyment and that of travellers…"(Qur'an, 5:96) Furthermore,
particular attention is drawn to fish in Surat al-Kahf, in which it is
revealed that the Prophet Musa (as) set out on a long journey with his
servant and that they took fish along with them to eat:
But when they reached their meeting-place, they forgot their fish
which quickly burrowed its way into the sea. When they had gone a
distance further on, he said to his servant, "Bring us our morning
meal. Truly this journey of ours has made us tired." He said, "Do you
see what has happened? When we went to find shelter at the rock, I
forgot the fish…"(Qur'an, 18:61-63)
It is noteworthy that in Surat al-Kahf fish should be specially chosen
as a foodstuff after a long, tiring journey. Therefore, one of the
pieces of wisdom in this tale may well be an indication of the
nutritional benefits of fish. (Allah knows best.)
In fact, when we examine the nutritional properties of fish, we
encounter some very striking facts. Fish, given to us as a blessing by
our Lord, are a perfect food, particularly in terms of protein,
vitamin D and trace elements (certain elements found in minimal
quantities in the body but which are still of great importance to it).
Due to the minerals they contain—such as phosphorus, sulphur and
vanadium—fish encourages growth and enables tissues to recover. Fish
meat also assists in the formation of healthy teeth and gums, benefits
the complexion, makes the hair healthier and contributes to the fight
against bacterial infection. It also plays an important role in the
prevention of heart attacks as it beautifully regulates the level of
cholesterol in the blood. It helps the body to break down and use
starch and fats, making it stronger and more energetic. On the other
hand, it also influences the functioning of mental activities. In the
event that the vitamin D and other minerals contained in fish are not
consumed in sufficient quantities, disorders such as rickets (bone
weakness), gum disease, goitre and hyperthyroid may all arise. 1
In addition, modern science has also discovered that the omega-3 fatty
acids in fish also occupy an important place in human health. These
fats have even been described as essential fatty acids.
The Benefits of Omega-3 in Fish Oil
There are two kinds of unsaturated fatty acid in fish oil which are
particularly important for our health: EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). EPA and DHA are known as polyunsaturated
fats and contain the important omega-3 fatty acids. Since the fatty
acids omega-3 and omega-6 are not manufactured in the human body, they
need to be taken in from the outside.
There is a large body of evidence relating to the benefits to human
health of fish oil, the actual benefit stemming from its omega-3 fatty
acid content. Despite being present in vegetable oils, these omega-3
fatty acids are less effective in relation to human health. However,
marine plankton is very effective at turning omega-3 into EPA and DHA.
When fish eat plankton, their constitution becomes much richer in EPA
and DHA. That, in turn, makes fish one of the richest sources of these
vitally important fatty acids.
Vital Benefits of the Fatty Acids Found in Fish
One of the main features of the fatty acids in fish is the
contribution they make to the body's energy production. These fatty
acids carry out electron transfers by attaching themselves to oxygen
in the body and permit energy to be produced for various chemical
processes within it. There is therefore considerable evidence that a
diet rich in fish oil helps combat fatigue and increases mental and
physical capacity. Omega-3 increases the individual's powers of
concentration as much as it does his or her energy levels. There is a
scientific foundation to the old saying "fish is good for the brain":
The main compound in brain fat is DHA, which contains omega-3 fatty
acids.
The Importance of Fish for a Healthy Heart and Arteries
The omega-3 fatty acid in fish is acknowledged to protect against
cardiovascular disease by reducing blood pressure and the cholesterol
and triglyceride in the blood. 2Triglyceride is a form of fat and
resembles LDL (bad cholesterol) which is high in fat and low in
protein content. A raised triglyceride level, especially together with
high cholesterol, increases the risk of heart disease. In addition,
fish oils reduce life-threatening post-heart attack abnormal heart
rhythms.
In one study by the American Medical Association, it was observed that
heart attack levels in women eating five portions of fish a week fell
by one-third. This is thought to stem from the omega-3 fatty acids in
fish oil causing less blood clotting. The normal speed of blood in our
veins is 60 kmph (37.3 mph) and it is of vital importance for the
blood to be of the right viscosity and for the density, quantity and
speed to be at normal levels. The worst danger for our blood—apart
from normal conditions of bleeding—is for it to clot and lose the
ability to flow properly. Fish oils are also effective in reducing
blood clotting by preventing the thrombocytes in the blood (blood
platelets that concentrate the blood in the event of bleeding) from
adhering to one another. Otherwise, blood thickening can lead to
narrowing of the arteries. In turn, this can lead to many organs in
the body—especially the heart, brain, eyes and kidneys—receiving an
inadequate blood supply, function deceleration and eventually, loss of
function. For example, when an artery is totally blocked on account of
clotting this can lead to heart attack, paralysis or other disorders,
depending on the location of the artery.
Omega-3 fatty acids also play an important role in the production of
the molecule haemoglobin, that carries oxygen in the red blood cells,
and in controlling the nutrients passing through the cell membrane.
They also prevent the damaging effects of fats harmful to the body.
Importance for the Development of New Born Babies
Being an important component of the brain and eye, omega-3 fatty acids
have been the subject of research, especially over the last 10 years,
in connection with the needs of new born babies. There is a
considerable body of evidence relating to the importance of omega-3 to
the development of the foetus in the mother's womb and of the new-born
baby. Omega-3 is of the greatest importance for the proper development
of the brain and nerves throughout pregnancy and in early babyhood.
Scientists emphasise the importance of mother's milk since it is a
natural and perfect store of omega-3.
Benefits for Joint Health
The major risk in rheumatoid arthritis (a painful joint condition
linked to rheumatism) is that of wearing of the joints, leading to
irreparable damage. It has been proven that a diet rich in omega-3
fatty acids prevents arthritis and reduces discomfort in swollen and
sensitive joints.
Benefits Regarding the Healthy Functioning of the Brain and Nervous System
A large number of studies have revealed the effects of omega-3 fatty
acids on the healthy functioning of the brain and nerves. In addition,
it has been shown that fish oil reinforcement can reduce symptoms of
depression and schizophrenia and prevent Alzheimer's disease (a brain
disease which causes loss of memory and hinders day-to-day
activities). For example, reductions in such problems as anxiety,
stress and sleeping difficulties have been observed in individuals
suffering from depression who took 1 gram of omega-3 fatty acid over a
period of 12 weeks. 3
Benefits against Inflammatory Disorders and Strengthening of the Immune System
At the same time, omega-3 fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory
(infection preventing) function. Omega-3 can therefore be employed in
the following diseases:
• Rheumatoid arthritis (joint infection linked to rheumatism),
• Osteoarthritis (a form of arthritis gradually degenerating the
functions of joints)
• Ulcerative colitis (ulcers linked to the inflammation of the colon), and
• Lupus (a disease which causes patches on the skin).
It also protects myelin (the material surrounding nerve cells). It is
therefore used in the treatment of
• Glaucoma (an eye disorder marked by abnormally high pressure within
the eyeball that may even lead to blindness)
• Multiple sclerosis (a serious progressive disease resulting from
tissue hardening in the brain and spinal cord),
• Osteoporosis (a disease leading to structural weakening in the bone structure)
• Diabetes patients.
In addition, it is also reported to be useful in the treatment of
• Migraine patients,
• Anorexia (a possibly fatal eating disorder)
• Burns
• Problems concerning skin health.
There is also wide-ranging evidence that societies such as the
Greenland Eskimos and Japanese, who eat a lot of fish, rich in omega-3
fatty acid, have a much lower incidence of heart and artery disease,
asthma and psoriasis. Fish is therefore recommended as a form of
treatment and is particularly recommended by nutritionists on account
of its proven benefits for coronary health.
Additional benefits to those outlined above are emerging every day.
Moreover, it has only been possible to reveal the health benefits of
fish by a great many scientists working in well-equipped research
laboratories. The fact that such a valuable source of nutrition is
indicated in the Qur'an, and especially that it is described as a
fatigue eliminator in Surat al-Kahf, is nothing short of
awe-inspiring. All the benefits provided by fish are a great blessing
given us by our Lord. As with all foods, it is Allah, the Lord of the
Worlds, Who has created the superior structure in fish for our
benefit.
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