Generally,
fish, according to the Messinian Diet pyramid, are to be consumed 2 to 3 times
on a weekly basis. In particular, fish, like red meat and poultry, constitute a
key source of protein and are high in B vitamins and iron. Regarding their
content of fat, it should be mentioned that this varies from species to
species. There are low-fat fish, such as cod and sole and high-fat fish such as
trout, salmon and mackerel. The fat of fish has been classified as ‘good’ fat
and has been found to have overall positive effects on human health. Fish that
contain less fat and seafood, like crabs and octopus, are an important source
of omega-3 fats. Apart from fat and proteins, fish also provide the body with a
number of vitamins and trace elements, such as the fat-soluble vitamins A, D
and the water-soluble B complex vitamins (B1, B2, B3, and B12). Finally, the
main minerals and trace elements that fish and seafood contain are calcium (especially
small fish consumed with bones), phosphorus, zinc and iodine. Specifically,
fish flesh has a high content of protein (at a rate of 18 to 25%), beneficial
fat (mainly polyunsaturated omega-3), vitamins (fat-soluble A, D, E, K, B
complex vitamins) and a significant amount of minerals (calcium, sodium,
potassium, phosphorus, copper, iron, magnesium and iodine).