National Sardine’s Day

On Sunday it will be National Sardine’s Day.  

Is your first reaction let me get some of those to eat or is it you can’t get me to eat one of those sardines?

Either way, we’d like to share a bit about these fish.  It’s a big part of Mediterranean diets and we know what a healthy diet that is.  

These little ten inch fish live in schools all over the world. Along with the Mediterranean, sardines are also greatly enjoyed in India and the Philippines.  In Portugal sardines are a national favorite.

What about in the United States and what are the health benefits of these tiny fish?

In 2020, canned fish had a consumption rate of 4.1 lbs. per person in the United States.  Sardine consumption is also expected to grow by 7.8% so it’s becoming popular.

Sardines have a mild fishy taste and these tiny fish are full of unbelievable nutrients. 

A 100-gram can of sardines in oil has no carbs, no fiber and no sugars.  It contains 24 grams of protein, 208 calories, 11.4 grams of fat, 142 milligrams of cholesterol and 307 milligrams.

The vitamins, minerals and fatty acids are off the chart.  Too many to list here but some of them include calcium, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin D, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Potassium.  The list contains 23 different vitamins and minerals.

Because sardines are low in calories and full of so many nutrients they can help with blood vessel function and ease inflammation.  They can also help with heart, bone, brain and eye health.  

Additionally, sardines can strengthen your bones, improve nerve function and aid in muscle growth and repair.  

We also know that people who need to watch their salt intake and those with kidney stones or gout need to be careful not to eat too many sardines so they are not for everyone.

Private Home Health Care knows how good sardines can be for our health.  You might need to acquire a taste for them but if you like them you will have gained a great addition to your diet.