11 Amazing Benefits of Barramundi
Barramundi health benefits includes promoting weight loss, preventing cancer, improving heart health, improving brain health, preventing diabetes, strengthening bones, supporting eye health, a good source of vitamins, and a good source of protein.
A number of people around the world have started to realize the long term benefits of seafood – especially fish – and just how this type of protein could slowly replace red meat. Barramundi; in this regard, has appeared to be one of the common choices among fish for its plethora of health benefits. Rich in vital nutrients, the fish is known for its slivery, streamlined body and enormous size. It is not only the size of this fish that sets it apart from other fish, but its high nutritional value and low toxin levels are some of its unique characteristics.
Barramundi is a part of several diverse and traditional cuisines. People around the world like it for its moderate flavor, flaky flesh, and notable health benefits. The fish is considered one of the best sources to prevent diabetes, balance cholesterol, prevent cancer, and strengthen bones.
What is Barramundi?
Scientifically known as Lates Calcarifer, Barramundi belongs to the Latidae family. The name of the fish refers to its large size and its scales – and is borrowed from Australian Aboriginal ancient language. Barramundi is an inhabitant of Papua New Guinea, Southeast Asia, Northern Australian oceans.
The large size of fish makes it an ideal option to use during culinary preparations in Asia, where it is commonly known as Palmer, giant perch, cockup, and bekti. It is versatile and is extensively eaten in different parts of the Asian countries for its wealth of minerals and nutrients.
Nutrient Density of Barramundi
11 Amazing Health Benefits of Barramundi
1. Low Toxin Levels
The Barramundi is planktivorous fish, mainly survives on small aquatic plants and insects. This property makes Barramundi not only healthier to eat, but also safer than other fish which survive on small fish. Because of this reason, Palmer consumes less mercury and other toxins found on the body sea creatures and water. Moreover, as it mainly relies on planktons for sustainable survival, you can enjoy this giant, flavorful fish without having to worry about its extinction.
2. Prevents Cancer
Barramundi contains a good amount of omega-3 fatty acid that is considered potent nutrient to contribute in increasing HDL cholesterol in the blood. Not only do omega 3 fatty acids help your body perform a normal function, but various studies linked it to lowering risks associated with certain types of cancers. Thus, Barramundi is valuable catch as it provides a substantial amount of good cholesterol to prevent cancer.
3. Weight Loss
If you are fond of non-vegetarian delicacies, and at the same time want to lose weight, then Barramundi is an ideal and practical option to replace red meat without having to compromise the flavors and essential nutrients.
Barramundi has taken precedence over Salmon and snappers due to its low-calorie properties. Despite having ample amounts of fatty acids, Barramundi is widely consumed for the purpose of weight loss. People eat this giant fish as their main course to attain satiety and reduce snacking and overeating.
4. Improves Heart Health
To keep your heart well-functioning, it is crucial to maintaining a healthy balance of cholesterol level in the body. The mild, white flesh of Barramundi contains a fairly balanced level of both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Recent studies conducted on nutrient density of this giant Palmer have also confirmed the presence of a balanced combination of fatty acids that reduce heart strain. A number of scientists recommend moderate consumption of Barramundi to maintain the balance of cholesterol level that prevents obesity, coronary heart disorders, and atherosclerosis.
5. Improves Brain Health
In addition to providing health benefits to the heart, the omega-3 fatty acids in the fish are also known to improve brain health. These polyunsaturated fatty acids contain Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which are the primary components to enhance brain function. They maintain an active communication between brain cells and preserve cell membranes. Numerous studies correlate a sufficient intake of Barramundi by pregnant women with high scores of early childhood brain development. Thus, Barramundi can be a valuable addition to your daily diet to keep your brain healthy and growing.
6. Prevents Diabetes
Though a permanent cure for diabetes has still not been discovered, various studies emphasize adding a maximum number of preventative measures to prevent symptoms associated with diabetes to affect you. A rich quantity of proteins in Barramundi is attributed to reducing risks of diabetes. Incorporating this fish into your diet can help you prevent diabetes and many other debilitating health problems.
7. Strengthens Bones
A lack of mineral density has become very common in both men and women. The condition further aggravates with age and increases the chances of severe calcium deficiency that may lead to bone disorders like osteoporosis and rickets.
Barramundi is not less than a nutritive powerhouse when it comes to enumerating its minerals. It has an abundance of magnesium, selenium, calcium, zinc, and several other essential nutrients that you need to protect your bone health.
8. Eye Care
Barramundi, with a high level of vitamin A, is considered effective for improving vision. Vitamin-A is an antioxidant and is linked to counteract free radicals and their negative effects on the eyes. Majorly preventing cataracts and macular degeneration, vitamin-A helps you improve your vision and protects your eyes from macular degeneration as you grow older.
9. Ensures Healthy Growth
Barramundi is a convenient alternative to consuming other forms of protein such as chicken and beef. Proteins play an important role in the development of various bodily tissues, bones, and muscles and are considered building blocks for a healthy anatomical structure and growth. Thus, with an adequate intake of Barramundi, your body obtains essential proteins for building muscles.
10. Good Source of Vitamins
Barramundi, like other giant snappers, is a good source of increasing the intake of essential vitamins. These macronutrients are vital to keeping your body organs work efficiently. Particularly, vitamin A and vitamin B12, which support your immune system and help you steer clear of cardiovascular diseases. Barramundi provides 4 percent of required intake of macronutrients per serving.
11. Good Source of Protein
According to the Centers of Disease Control, an average adult requires approximately 47 grams of protein in his daily intake to keep him active throughout the day. Barramundi, in this regard, supplies 36 g of proteins in a 6-ounce fillet, making it an excellent source of consuming protein.
Bottom Line
To crown it all, Barramundi is packed with potent macronutrients that do not only help you stay active but prevent a plethora of health problems.
Brandi Marcene
Brandi Marcene is a regular contributor to Natural Food Series. Having written on virtually every topic under the sun, Brandi is passionate about health and wellness, particularly the health benefits of different natural products. She has written content for leading brands, including Dell and Haute, as well as other Fortune 500 companies. Brandi has a Bachelor's in Journalism from the Georgia Perimeter College.