Freshwater fish and sea fish, which one is richer in nutritional content?

There is no doubt that fish is a good source of protein for the body. Apart from the oceans, freshwater waters also produce fish that are no less delicious as a daily meal. But between freshwater fish and sea fish, which one is the most nutritious, huh?

What is the difference between sea water fish and freshwater fish?

Before examining the nutritional content, do you know what is the main difference between marine fish and freshwater fish? Indeed, they both live in water, but it turns out that these two groups of fish have characteristics that distinguish them from one another.

As the name implies, marine fish live in oceans full of waves and swift currents. That is why, the thorn structure of marine fish tends to be tougher and stronger. However, this is not the case with freshwater fish, on the contrary.

The currents that are slower or not too fast have become the daily habitat of this species of fish. That is why the spines in freshwater fish are usually smaller and not as big as sea water fish. Meanwhile, in terms of taste, many consider that sea fish has a natural taste that is more savory than freshwater fish.

Which is more nutritious between freshwater fish and marine fish?

As a group of fish, actually both freshwater fish and marine fish are rich in nutrients in them. It's just that, the numbers may differ between these two groups of fish.

Prof. Ir Ahmad Sulaeman, PhD, as a professor in the field of Food Safety and Nutrition, at the Faculty of Ecology, Bogor Agricultural University (IPB), explained this. According to him, sea fish have several nutritional content that are considered higher than freshwater fish.

For example, the content of natural compounds in the form of DHA and EPA is quite high in marine fish. Especially for fish in deep sea waters, for example, tuna and skipjack. However, this does not mean that freshwater fish are less nutritious than marine fish. Both sea fish and freshwater fish are highly nutritious.

On the other hand, there are several nutrients that are found to be higher in freshwater fish than in marine fish. In this case, for example, catfish, which are known to be high in omega-3 and omega-6. Not only that, several types of freshwater fish are also generally higher in potassium and mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

This certainly makes the nutrients in freshwater fish not underestimated. In short, both of these fish groups have high nutritional content. However, both freshwater fish and marine fish generally have their respective advantages in terms of their nutritional content.

So, which are the best fish to eat?

Broadly speaking, all the fish available on the market is healthy to eat. The Minister of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. dr. Nila Farid Moeloek, Sp.M (K), also explained that fish is a food source that is no less healthy than other protein sources. No exception with freshwater fish and sea fish.

Evidenced by the high levels of unsaturated fatty acids such as omega 3, 6, 9, iodine, selenium, iron, magnesium, and others in fish. Regardless of the high or low price of various types of fish, they all actually have high nutritional content.

In essence, both sea fish and freshwater fish can be a choice of daily food sources for you and your family. The provision can be interspersed so that you can get each of the nutrients in each fish.

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