Poke bowls have become very popular on the mainland over the last few years. And while they are delicious, they also have some great health benefits! Koibito Poke shares some of the evidence-backed benefits of eating raw fish.
While there is some fat in fish, it’s generally in the form of omega-3 fatty acids which are important because the human body doesn’t make this nutrient — people must get it from food. According to an article on the Harvard School of Public Health’s website, omega-3 fatty acids “are an integral part of cell membranes throughout the body and affect the function of the cell receptors in these membranes. They provide the starting point for making hormones that regulate blood clotting, contraction and relaxation of artery walls, and inflammation.
They also bind to receptors in cells that regulate genetic function. Likely due to these effects, omega-3 fats have been shown to help prevent heart disease and stroke, may help control lupus, eczema, and rheumatoid arthritis, and may play protective roles in cancer and other conditions.”
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend adults eat eight ounces or more of seafood each week to get a wide range of nutrients in addition to omega-3 fatty acids; and the American Heart Association recommends eating fish two times per week for prevention of specific heart issues. Aside from omega-3 fatty acids, raw fish such as tuna is a great source of vitamins D, A, K and B12; zinc and magnesium. All of these nutrients are important for the health of the human body.
For example, vitamin D, which is found in salmon and tuna, “is necessary for building and maintaining healthy bones. That’s because calcium, the primary component of bone, can only be absorbed by your body when vitamin D is present. Your body makes vitamin D when direct sunlight converts a chemical in your skin into an active form of the vitamin (calciferol),” according to the Mayo Clinic. Meanwhile magnesium has anti-inflammatory benefits; can fight depression; and can possibly lower blood pressure.
Koibito Poke is proud of offer high-quality fish and seafood that is rife with nutrients and vitamins that can add to a healthy new year. So order a bowl and enjoy guilt-free!
