Health benefits of cod
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Health Benefits of Cod
Cod Consumption and Weight Loss
Weight Loss in Overweight and Obese Adults
Cod consumption has been shown to significantly aid in weight loss, particularly in overweight and obese individuals. A study involving young adults on an energy-restricted diet found that those who consumed 150 grams of cod five times a week lost 1.7 kg more than those who did not consume any seafood. This study also noted reductions in waist circumference, BMI, and blood pressure, indicating a dose-response relationship between cod intake and weight loss .
Cardiovascular Health Benefits
Reduction in Lipid Parameters
Cod liver oil, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, has been found to reduce elevated lipid parameters. In a study where participants took cod liver oil along with rosuvastatin, there were significant reductions in total cholesterol and LDL levels compared to those who took rosuvastatin alone. This suggests that cod liver oil can enhance the lipid-lowering effects of statins .
Lower Serum Cholesterol and Increased n-3 PUFA
Consuming baked cod fillet has been shown to lower serum cholesterol levels and increase long-chain n-3 PUFA concentrations in serum and tissues. This effect is likely due to reduced endogenous cholesterol synthesis, which supports the cardiovascular benefits of lean fish consumption .
Impact on Neopterin Concentration
High intake of cod has been associated with a reduction in serum total neopterin concentration, a marker of cellular immune activation linked to cardiovascular disease. This suggests that cod intake may help reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health .
Glucose Regulation and Metabolic Health
Glucoregulatory Effects
Cod residual protein supplementation has shown potential benefits in glucose regulation. In a study with lean adults, cod residual protein reduced plasma concentrations of early markers of impaired glucose metabolism, indicating beneficial glucoregulatory effects .
Lipid Metabolism
Cod protein powder has been found to lower serum nonesterified fatty acids and increase total bile acid concentrations, which are beneficial for lipid metabolism. This suggests that cod protein can positively affect lipid profiles in healthy, lean individuals .
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Inhibition of Chemotaxis
Cod liver oil has been shown to inhibit neutrophil and monocyte chemotaxis, which are processes involved in inflammation. This anti-inflammatory effect is attributed to the high content of n-3 PUFAs in cod liver oil, which may help reduce the risk of chronic inflammatory diseases and ischemic heart disease .
Prevention of Type 1 Diabetes
Early Life Cod Liver Oil Intake
A large population-based study in Norway found that the use of cod liver oil during the first year of life was associated with a significantly lower risk of childhood-onset type 1 diabetes. This protective effect is likely due to the anti-inflammatory properties of long-chain n-3 fatty acids present in cod liver oil .
Kidney Health
Protection Against Kidney Damage
Cod protein intake has been shown to beneficially affect markers of kidney function in obese rats. Rats fed a diet with cod protein had lower urine concentrations of markers indicating kidney damage and better growth compared to those on a casein/whey protein diet. This suggests that cod protein may help delay the development of kidney damage and improve overall kidney health .
Conclusion
Cod and its derivatives, such as cod liver oil and cod protein powder, offer numerous health benefits. These include aiding in weight loss, improving cardiovascular health, regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, reducing inflammation, potentially preventing type 1 diabetes, and protecting kidney function. Incorporating cod into the diet can be a valuable strategy for enhancing overall health and preventing various chronic conditions.
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