What is unique about capelin and its caviar: benefits and harm to the body

The small predatory fish has a unique taste and is most valued for its ability to stimulate insulin production and lower blood sugar levels. But capelin caviar has special nutritional value. Having studied its benefits and harms, many are forced to admit that it is in no way inferior to red caviar. Read on for the composition and properties of capelin, and how it affects the human body.

What beneficial substances does it contain?

Capelin consists of 78% water, 13% protein and 7 to 18% fat (including omega-3 acids). Calorie and fat content depend on the season. The spring catch is considered dietary, it contains only 116 kcal. Autumn fish can contain 2 times more calories - up to 217 per 100 g. There are no carbohydrates in capelin, it is easily digested and quickly provides energy.

List of useful substances contained in capelin, in descending order:

• potassium – 260 mg;
• phosphorus – 240 mg;
• chlorine – 165 mg;
• sulfur – 140 mg;
• sodium – 70 mg;
• magnesium and calcium – 30 mg each;
• vitamin PP – 3.6 mg
• vitamin C – 1.8 mg;
• vitamin E – 1.5 mg;
• zinc – 1 mg;
• copper – 0.2 mg;
• vitamins B2 and B6 – 0.15 mg each;
• manganese – 0.05 mg;
• iron – 0.04 mg;
• vitamin B3 – 0.03 mg;
• fluoride – 430 mcg;
• vitamin A – 60 mcg;
• chromium – 55 mcg;
• iodine – 50 mcg;
• vitamin B9 – 17 mcg;
• cobalt – 8 mcg;
• molybdenum and nickel – 5 mcg each.

The most significant in terms of meeting the daily need for capelin are: phosphorus (30%), iodine (33%), vitamin PP (18%), chromium (110%), cobalt (80%), copper (21%) and potassium ( 12%).

Benefits for the body

The rich composition of capelin speaks for itself. Sea fish from the smelt family is useful for maintaining the health of many organs and systems: the thyroid gland, brain, nerves, blood vessels, heart, bone and muscle tissue. Its main valuable properties:

• capelin normalizes blood sugar levels;
• strengthens tooth enamel and bones;
• accelerates metabolism and normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• recommended as a dietary product;
• slows down the aging process after 50 years;
• improves sexual function in women and men;
• stabilizes heart rate;
• helps to quickly recover from injury, illness, stress.

It is recommended to be included in the weekly diet for diabetics and heart patients. Dietary fish is indicated for gout and chronic fatigue, apathy, and loss of strength.

What are the benefits of caviar?

Capelin caviar is small, dense, light in color. It is almost impossible to purchase it in its natural form. To overcome the specific taste, caviar is often flavored with all kinds of seasonings and additives. The canned product is tinted for a pleasant pinkish-orange color.

The caviar of the Japanese capelin subspecies Shishamo has its own name - masago. Rolls are often made with it, for example “California”.

Capelin caviar is considered very healthy. It is absorbed much better than meat - almost 95%. It contains proteins, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. Just 30 g of product can fully satisfy the daily requirement for vitamin B12 and approximately 25% for vitamins E, B4, B2. Properties it has:

• antioxidant;
• antitoxic;
• nutritious;
• anti-atherosclerotic.

It is recommended to regularly consume capelin caviar during significant physical activity, diabetes, decreased pancreatic function, and in old age. It is a preventative against thrombosis, rickets, and heart disease.

Harmful properties

Capelin can be harmful if the fish is of poor quality, insufficient heat treatment, or if consumed excessively. What negative influences should you beware of:

1. Smoked and smoked capelin or its caviar are often produced in a cheap way using “liquid smoke” and contain dangerous carcinogens.
2. In canned products you can often find thickeners, dyes and additives that negatively affect digestion and increase the risk of allergies.
3. If capelin is seasoned with mayonnaise or soybean oil, you can quickly gain excess weight and become obese.
4. Smoked fish is also dangerous because with this method of preparation it is impossible to destroy all parasites. When they enter the human body, they cause significant harm.
5. Sometimes capelin are caught in environmentally unfavorable areas. This product cannot be eaten as it contains mercury compounds.
6. Fish, due to the fairly large amount of salt it contains, can cause swelling, especially with kidney disease and pregnancy.

Who shouldn't eat capelin?

In moderate quantities, capelin has no absolute contraindications, except for individual intolerance. It may cause allergic reactions in people with hypersensitivity to other seafood. Moreover, the level of allergenicity of capelin caviar is 5–6 times higher than that of fish meat.

Some people are advised to limit its consumption to a minimum or temporarily eliminate it from the diet. List of relative contraindications:

• ulcer;
• poisoning;
• age up to 2 years;
• renal failure;
• atherosclerosis;
• high blood pressure.

To minimize the harm of capelin, it is recommended to bake it, not fry it, and eat it with vegetables. For example, with mashed potatoes.

Benefits for male and female bodies

For men, capelin is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids. It is useful to eat it to prevent prostate diseases, as well as increase male potency. After 50 years, capelin meat and caviar help maintain the health of the cardiovascular system and minimize the risk of heart attack, ischemia, and stroke.

For women, fish helps stabilize the nervous system, improves mood and increases stress resistance. It has a beneficial effect on the production of sex hormones, skin and hair health. By using it regularly, you don’t have to worry about gaining weight. The fats it contains destroy “bad” cholesterol. During pregnancy, capelin is indispensable in the 1st trimester, when the formation and active formation of the internal organs and systems of the fetus occurs.

In the Far East, capelin is called briefly and comically “uek”.

Capelin cannot be called a universal fish.Because of its specific taste, some people simply adore it, while others cannot stand it. If fish meat or caviar is your favorite delicacy, you should not deny yourself it. However, for benefit, it is better to choose a raw product and prepare it yourself. By eating this dish 1-2 times a week, you will very soon notice that your hair has acquired a healthy shine, your skin is smoother, you have strength, and your mood has improved!