Every year, the seafood market is replenished with diverse varieties of fish. These include a catfish, frightening at first glance, the benefits and harms of which are discussed by official and alternative medicine. Remotely, it resembles dangerous eels and moray eels. It is about this unusual and colorful fish will be discussed in today's material.
The catfish is a representative perch-shaped, its main habitat is the northern waters of the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean, where temperatures do not reach 14 o C. Its appearance is rather awesome - sharp conic-shaped fangs protruding from the upper jaw and a long body. From here she received an unusual name. In common parlance, this sea predator is called the "sea wolf". View Catfish, benefit and harm (photo in the article) which doctors have always been interested in, is divided into five subspecies:
- widow (blue catfish), swims in the Norwegian, Barents and Atlantic Seas,
- spotted - habitat is similar to the previous species,
- Far East - inhabits the shores of Asia and Norton Bay,
- eel-like - found in the northern waters of the Pacific Ocean
- striped - prefers the northern waters of the White, Norwegian, Northern, Barents and Baltic seas.
Cold-blooded individuals do not belong to active predators, they do not know how to develop greater speed, and they need big teeth for crushing thick shells of mollusks. It feeds on small fish, jellyfish, crustaceans and echinoderms. This species of perciformes reaches up to 30 kg of weight. Adult females are able to lay up to 40 thousand eggs.
Today, its population has significantly decreased, so many scientists are actively recreating conditions for artificial breeding. Its nutritious and very tender meat is a real delicacy. On the implementation comes most often in a frozen state without scales and heads. By the way, small accessories are made of catfish leather.
The content of nutrients
Among the valuable active ingredients should be allocated a significant amount of antioxidants, minerals, trace elements and vitamins that have a beneficial effect on the quality of our skin, the work of internal organs and mood. In the composition there is a large set of easily digestible protein, for this reason, fish meat is recommended to consume professional athletes.
In addition, catfish (photos can be viewed in the material) is rich in a complex of useful amino acids (aspartic, glutamine, lysine), they are responsible for the normal functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels. The presence of phosphorus, calcium and magnesium in the pulp causes high utility. These trace elements form the basis of the human skeleton.
And magnesium is still involved in fat, protein and energy metabolism. Consuming the "seabass" at least once every two weeks, you get almost the entire set of vitamins, such as A, B, E, D, PP.
The energy value
The main features, in addition to high protein content, include low calorie content. Catfish, the benefits and harms of which are well known to nutritionists, refers to fatty fish. She has a rich, tender, boneless and sweet meat with a low calorie content. In the hundred gram portion about 126 kcal, while there are no carbohydrates, and low fat prevails - 5 g.
Medicinal properties
A useful catfish, a photo of which clearly shows its appearance, for persons with impaired thyroid gland. Due to the content of omega-3 fatty acids, it is shown to consume those who have a high risk of developing cardiac and vascular pathologies. Predator meat helps eliminate dangerous cholesterol and strengthens muscle tissue. Traditional medicine and practitioners recommend it to patients during the rehabilitation period.
Due to the huge amount of potassium in its composition, fish can and should be consumed by people prone to puffiness and high pressure. Many nutritionists advise to include meat in your diet, especially during diets, when the body loses all the necessary substances for life. You will not only improve metabolic processes, but also normalize the water-salt balance, strengthen the bone tissue and improve blood circulation.
Adverse effects
Sea fish is considered a strong allergen, even after heat treatment the level of antigens does not decrease. In this regard, the consumption of "seabass" should be limited or removed from the menu for people suffering from allergies. Children at an early age should not give it. It is not recommended for persons with impaired pancreatic function. Official scientific sources report that fish catfish is contraindicated in the period of childbearing.
The benefits and harms of pregnancy are still being studied. Clinical studies conducted by American experts confirm the negative effect of the meat of this individual on the nervous system of the baby. Therefore, in order to avoid side effects, it is advisable to exclude fish during pregnancy and lactation.
Choosing a fish
Many people are well aware that seafood accumulates all toxic substances. In order not to get serious intoxication and not to get botulism, you should take a responsible approach to its choice and know the basic rules. The first sign of freshness is considered a clear look. If dregs predominate before the eyes, it means that the catfish is not spotty fresh.
The benefits and harms of fish are equally recognized by many doctors. But in order to really get maximum pleasure and benefit from consumption, one must be vigilant. The meat of a fresh individual is elastic, with pressure it quickly recovers its shape. Be sure to look at the color of the pulp. In the case of a fish that is not swollen, it is light with a characteristic smell.
Experts do not advise to buy a carcass, which lies on the ice, it speaks of re-freezing. This product is not of high quality and often hazardous to health. It is better to take a fresh catfish, cut into portions and freeze. So you extend the shelf life by two months.
How to cook?
Catfish, the use of which is obvious to all, is very popular and in demand among gourmets. However, many housewives do not know how to cook it. As was said earlier, the meat of this sea predator is tender and juicy, which allows you to create various delicacies. The carcass is delicious fried, smoked, salted, baked and boiled. Meat can be steamed and grilled, added to salads, appetizers, used as a filling for pies, and served with any side dish.
Cooking subtleties
So that during cooking your fish does not fall apart and turn into jelly, you need to know some of the nuances that we want to share with you:
- When stewing or frying, the carcass should first be cut into medium pieces, then roll in flour or batter. It is possible to turn the fish when the piece is well browned and a crust is formed. To prevent meat from turning into porridge during cooking, never cover the pan with a lid.
- Steaks for half an hour before cooking a little salted.
- Boil in salted water for about 10-15 minutes, not forgetting to remove the foam.
- Bake the carcass in foil with the addition of vegetables or cereals. To increase the elasticity, you can put fresh tomatoes.
Fish catfish, the benefits and harms of which are often discussed by experts, will surely turn out tasty and whole, if you hold it in salted brine: dissolve a tablespoon of salt in 100 ml of water and leave for two hours. Finally, we describe a simple but very tasty recipe.
Baked catfish
The benefits and harms of this dish are uneven. It is low-calorie and nourishing at the same time. Ingredients needed for a half kilogram carcass: a little less than a glass of rice cereal, two small tomatoes, one hundred grams of cheese and a spoon of sour cream. Add salt and pepper to your own taste.
Lay out a layer of boiled rice on the foil, on top of the cereal - the whole washed and gutted carcass (salt). Cover the fish with tomato slices, pour with sour cream and sprinkle with grated cheese. Cover with foil and send to the oven for 20 minutes at 180 o C.
Composition and useful properties
Calorie catfish depends on the type and method of preparation. On average, it is 120-150 kcal per hundred gram portion. This amount of fish also contains 16 g of protein and 5 g of fat.
The fish contains numerous beneficial substances that are of great importance for the human body: magnesium, calcium, potassium, iron, vitamins A, B, C and D.
- The product is rich in iodine, so it will be useful for people suffering from diseases of the thyroid gland.
- The catfish contains a lot of fish oil, useful for vision, the musculoskeletal system, hair and skin.
- Omega-3 fatty acids reduce the likelihood of cardiovascular disease and normalize blood pressure, improve brain function.
- The product strengthens the immune system, prevents the development of diabetes, eliminates depression.
- Catfish is useful for athletes, because in its meat is a lot of easily digestible protein.
- Inclusion of the seabass fillet in the diet will relieve swelling and remove salt from the body.
Dietary properties
Of course, we are not talking about fried catfish - this method of preparation can only harm the diet. Those who dream of a slim figure will also have to give up salted and smoked fish.
To the fish dish came out tasty, but dietary, choose recipes that involve steaming, boiling or baking.
Harm and contraindications
Despite its obvious benefits, the catfish has a number of contraindications, and if you ignore them, you can harm your health.
Like other seafood, this fish is a strong allergen. It is dangerous to eat people who are prone to allergic reactions or with individual intolerance to seafood.
A catfish will not be the best choice for people with impaired pancreatic functions.
It is contraindicated to eat catfish pregnant and lactating women. Fish can harm the baby’s nervous system. For the same reason, it is undesirable to give a catfish to children under the age of three. After reaching this age, you can enter the seabass fillet in the child's diet, but you must start with small doses.
Catfish should be consumed in reasonable quantities, like any other product, otherwise it will bring the body is not good, but harm. Remember: everything is good in moderation.
Tips for choosing
In order for the useful properties of a catfish to appear in all its glory, it is important to choose it correctly.
- The main indicator of quality - clean bulging eyes. In fresh catfish, they are not muddy or hollow. That is why unscrupulous sellers remove fish eyes before putting it on the counter.
- Gills should be without mucus, red or pink, have only a natural fishy smell. In stale condition, they get a beige or brown shade - a sign of stale goods (fish for at least a week).
- Swollen or covered with mucus belly - a clear indication of poor product quality and violation of the rules of storage.
- High-quality fish is slippery and does not stick to hands, when pressed quickly returns to its former forms (dents should not remain). Otherwise, they are trying to sell you a stale catfish.
- Tight-fitting glossy and smooth scales are another sign of quality.
If you can not buy fresh catfish and have to be content with frozen, check the packing date. It is not recommended to take fish frozen more than two months ago. Useful properties of this product have already begun to get lost.
Keep catfish needed properly. Fresh carcass is not kept in the refrigerator for more than a day. It is better to cook it immediately after purchase. Frozen fish can be placed in the freezer, but for a period not exceeding two months from the date of freezing.
Catfish - very useful fish, subject to the rules of storage practically does not exhibit harmful properties.
The use of catfish motley in cooking
The motley of catfish is white and has a delicate, pleasant taste. Its main difference from meat of other species is that it is dense. If the meat of other catfish is more gelatinous, and you still need to tinker with it before cooking, the motley fillet has an elastic texture.
This meat is suitable for cooking a variety of delicious fish dishes, ranging from fish soup, ending with a delicious casserole.
Differences from other catfish
Catfish are of five species, and blue (other names are blue or blue-green) is only one of the varieties. All of them are somewhat different from each other, and in the store, theoretically, other varieties can also be sold, so you should understand the difference.
The easiest way to distinguish a blue catfish is, naturally, in color - it is blue without pronounced inclusions of other shades, which differs from the spotted variety, whose name speaks for itself - it is variegated and even striped. The so-called common catfish is also usually striped, and the color is different - it is rather brown or gray. Two more species, Far Eastern and Eel-like catfish, are practically not consumed - they can be interesting except for small peoples of the North, and even more so for the skin, not meat. What is interesting is that the blue catfish moves rather late in the water layers, captured by minesweepers, because in the catch it usually is not less than 60-70 cm long. This means that such fish lives for quite a long time and does not come across at a young age - depending on the region of distribution, it must be at least seven years old to achieve this size.
In fairness, there are many types of fish that would be better than blue catfish. No wonder she appeared on the shelves relatively recently and is so cheap, because a few years ago, industrialists simply did not harvest it, using it as bait for halibut or simply throwing it overboard. The reason for this attitude lay in the fact that too juicy and fatty meat seems even slightly watery and liquid. Over time, this product was learned to appreciate for the high content of vitamin A, as well as for some dishes like soup, which are perfectly obtained from this fish.
Blue and colorful catfish fish - useful and harmful properties on the human body
Fish catfish is a member of the perciformes order family Anarhichadiae. The appearance of the fish is extremely frightening. Reminds eels and moray eels. Most of the representatives are very valuable for fishermen. Despite its appearance, it is very tasty.
A common factor in all representatives of this species is a long body of large size. As well as large front teeth. In addition to the front teeth, these fish also have rear and side, with which they crush food. Their jaws are very powerful. Once a year, teeth change to new ones. It is for its terrible protruding teeth that this species got its name.
Adult representatives of the species have sizes from 1 to 2 meters and can weigh up to 30 kilograms, but on average they weigh about 20 kilograms.
Catfish
Among this species there are several members of the family:
- catfish - this type of catfish lives mainly on the coast of North America near Alaska,
- Far Eastern catfish - the range of this fish is the Far Eastern part of the Pacific Ocean,
- blue catfish - got the name for its color, which can vary from gray to dark blue. It lives mainly in the North Atlantic Ocean,
- striped - It is one of the largest representatives of catfish, it reaches about 20 kilograms in weight, and in length can reach one and a half meters. It lives in the waters of the White and Barents Seas. Lives mainly on the bottom. As well as a distinctive feature, for which it received its name, are black stripes on its side,
- spotty - the largest representative of catfish. It is also called the "two-meter giant." Lives predominantly in the northern seas. Name received for black spots on the sides.
Lifestyle and nutrition
Having reached a mature age, the blue catfish lives mainly on the bottom, where it finds various shelters for itself, where it hides in the daytime. It is a very aggressive fish: protecting its home, can attack any fish, even a representative of its own species.
At an early age, a representative of this species lives mainly in the open part of the sea. When the warm season comes, she likes to be in shallow water, with the onset of winter moves to the bottom.
According to ancient legends, the Far Eastern catfish loves to feed on shipwrecked sailors. But modern researchers have dispelled this myth, although it can really bite through human flesh. But these fish use their teeth mainly only to tear off any objects from the bottom. And they can also split various shells.
The food is used mainly by small inhabitants of the seas like: jellyfish, crayfish, mollusks and other fish. When the catfish change their teeth, they switch to softer food, but then they return to the old food.
Breeding
По результатам исследований, учёные выяснили, что зубатки являются моногамными, ведут размножение лишь с одним партнёром на протяжении всей жизни. Fish reach puberty at the age of four years, although females reach maturation a little longer than males.
During spawning, the female lays at a time about 30 thousand eggs, which are about 7 millimeters in size. The female larvae lays mainly on the bottom between the stones. After spawning, both parents guard their future offspring.
Young representatives of catfish are born in early spring and have sizes up to 20 millimeters in length at birth. After birth, the larvae immediately swim as close as possible to the surface, where they are looking for food.
As soon as the larvae grow to the size of 6 centimeters, they begin to sink to the bottom and already lead a habitual way of life for representatives of their species.
Value for man
Fish catfish is very tasty and, besides, useful for people. But to catch this fish is quite difficult. Because of this, people often hold competitions in her fishing.
For catching her, various tricks were invented, for example: catfish are searched for with the help of special underwater binoculars between algae, for fishing they use very strong fishing rods with elongated hooks.
Shells of mollusks are used as bait.
White catfish meat is the most delicious part in fish. It is very tender and fat, has a slightly sweet taste, and most importantly, there is not a single bone in it. For the preparation of this fish was invented many different recipes.
Useful properties of fish
Eating this fish is very useful for people who have disorders of the thyroid gland, as its meat contains large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Also, doctors advise to use it to those who have heart problems.
Meat catfish helps to eliminate cholesterol from the body, and also strengthens the muscle tissue of the human body. In folk medicine, catfish are used during the rehabilitation period.
By eating this fish, a person will be able to adjust all the metabolic processes occurring in the body, as well as normalize the water-salt balance and strengthen the bones.
Harmful properties
Eating this fish in food is contraindicated for people prone to various allergies, as a catfish is an extremely strong allergen. And also it is not recommended to give fish to young children.
Scientists have shown that pregnant women are extremely contraindicated to use catfish meat, as it has a negative effect on the child.
Interesting Facts:
- catfish life span averages twelve years, but there have been cases when we met twenty-year-olds of this species.
- the skin of this fish actively used for the manufacture of shoes, handbags and book covers.
Fish catfish: benefit and harm, photo where it is usual, how to cook correctly, video
The ocean occupies a huge part of our planet, its underwater world does not get tired to surprise with its inhabitants, one of them is catfish fish.
For many scientists of oceanology, it still remains a mystery, striking and frightening with its uncommonness, ability to adapt to life at depth.
The article will describe in detail the benefits, the dangers of this interesting fish when eaten, its impact on the human body.
Fish is rich in substances necessary for people, vitamins and mineral components. Despite the fact that a catfish has a certain list of contraindications, it is the most valuable representative of marine life, containing a whole list of useful substances.
Catfish is one of the subspecies of predatory fish, it lives in places of the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. The name received because of its rather large jaw with sharp teeth. Appearance looks pretty intimidating: big eyes, slightly protruding forward and flattened belly.
Catfish species
Residents of European countries called catfish "sea wolf". It belongs to the genus of perch-like fish, it does not look like a perch at all. Scientists distinguish various types of this fish:
- spotted catfish - is carried out in the seas with cool water, most often it is found in the Atlantic Ocean,
- Far Eastern catfish settled in places of the Pacific Ocean
- striped - found in the seas of the Atlantic,
- Ugnevidnaya - lives in the waters of the Pacific in places in North America,
- blue is considered an endangered specimen, which is found in the Atlantic Ocean.
The size of catfish is more than 150 centimeters, and the weight reaches 30 kilograms. There are larger individuals, the size and weight of which exceeds the average. Catfish is not considered to be an exquisite dish, so no one catches it, usually it unexpectedly falls into the nets of fishermen.
Important! Sharp and large teeth of fish became the reason for its name - catfish.
The composition of catfish
The presented fish is distinguished by a huge amount of its useful substances:
- amino acids - designed to ensure stable and proper functioning of the heart muscle and blood vessels,
- potassium - removes excess salt from the human body, preventing the occurrence of tissue edema,
- phosphorus - an element which enriches all marine inhabitants and has a beneficial effect on the work of the endocrine system,
- E is the source of youth of the organism,
- A - has a beneficial effect on the optic nerve, strengthens the immune system,
- D - component responsible for the stabilization of the central nervous system,
- PP - improves regeneration,
- B-a beneficial effect on the health of the human body,
- C - stops inflammatory processes,
- magnesium - is involved in fat and protein processes,
- water,
- ash.
Where is it?
Catfish live at a depth of several hundred meters in the ocean. Most often it can be found in places of the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. The temperature at this level is maintained up to 14 degrees.
Despite the fact that fish is a predatory fish, it does not have great speed in order to easily absorb it.
For this reason, the main prey of the "sea wolf" are crustaceans, jellyfish, small fish and shellfish.
Catfish
The main part of nutritionists is convinced that the meat of this representative of the living environment is perfectly digested and saturated with a variety of positive substances.
Useful qualities of the goods:
- enrichment of cells with protein, participating in the structure of the body,
- removal of excess salt and body, combating swelling,
- improving the immune system, increasing resistance to viruses and infectious diseases,
- stabilization of the functioning of the nervous system,
- proper functioning of the thyroid gland,
- active withdrawal of cholesterol
- normalization of the cardiovascular system,
- establishment of pH balance
- memory improvement
- normalization of pressure, burning of excess fat.
Catfish damage
The presented fish is characterized by an incredible versatility, it can harm the human body only in individual cases. One of the main causes of negative consequences after its use will be an allergic reaction to its composition. To infect catfish with parasites affecting the intestines is impossible.
For the most part, this inhabitant of the seas brings exclusively benefit to the body and cannot have a negative impact on health. Catfish catfish, like other types of fish, is very easy to prepare. In many states, it is a favorite food connoisseurs of marine products.
Calorie and nutritional value
Fish meat can not be called diet, but it is worth noting that it is not found and fat. The caloric value of 100 grams of product is 150. Often, catfish are used to reduce body weight, as well as increase the level of protein in the body.
The use of fish in food supports a certain level of muscle mass of the body with a small amount of calories. In addition, it contributes to the acceleration of metabolic processes. All meat used in the diet, it is not recommended to change to this type of fish, but in some cases, to reduce the daily calories, it can be done.
A catfish is often used during fasting days. Cooking recipes allow it to be consumed all day, along with any vegetables. Eating such fish reduces the average weekly calorie content. Thanks to its use, you can save about 200-300 calories.
How to choose a fish
Product selection is one of the most important stages in cooking. The Far Eastern catfish, as well as its other species, must be fresh.
Important! Only a fresh product will favorably influence the human body.
When choosing a product you should pay attention to the eyes of the fish. Dimmed eyes indicate that the product has been on the counter for a long time. In this case, it is recommended to abandon the purchase.
Many people are convinced that you should not take the fish frozen or fried, but this is also not quite true. You should buy only the product that is not covered with a thick crust of ice. In this case, you can be sure of its benefits, which means that the fish have not been thawed several times.
How to cook a catfish steak in the oven
To prepare this dish you will need: 4 fish steaks, onion slices, lemon juice, foil for roasting meat.
- Preparation is recommended to start with washing the meat. Further, it is recommended to remove from it skin, scales and fins. Make a few cuts, dip them in spices, pour out lemon juice and wrap in foil.
- Bake the dish should be about half an hour at a temperature of 180 degrees in the oven, put envelopes of foil can be directly on the baking sheet.
The benefits and harm of catfish, the beneficial properties of an awesome fish
Catfish - unusual in appearance, similar to moray eel and eel of the sea, fish with an elongated body from the perch-like order. It has a strong jaw, equipped with a large number of teeth, which is why it received such a name. Adults reach a sufficiently large size - length 100-240 cm and weight about 20-30 kg.
Another name for this fish is not surprising: the sea wolf.
Since the front teeth of a catfish are large, similar to a dog, and in the back of the jaw and in the sky there are crushing teeth, which give this fish the opportunity to easily slice through the thick walls of shells of various sea creatures.
It feeds on crustaceans, echinoderms, mollusks, fish and jellyfish.
Habitat - temperate and cold waters of the northern part of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as well as the northern seas: the White, Northern, Norwegian, Baltic and Barents seas.
Despite its awesome appearance, catfish has taken a worthy place in the fish cuisine of different countries of the world due to its excellent taste, high nutritional value and a set of healthy properties.
The following species are of commercial importance:
- Far East
- spotty,
- blue (widow)
- striped
Catfish Steamed
You can try to cook a catfish steamed. To do this, first marinate the fish (if frozen, pre-thaw it).
For the marinade, use only natural ingredients such as lemon juice and herbs. With sea wolf are perfectly combined: thyme, basil and tarragon.
You can add a little ginger, which will create an interesting flavor accent and help your body burn off excess fat. Salt in diet recipes is better not to use or take quite a bit.
Marinating is allowed for 30-40 minutes, after which it remains to simply cook the fish in a double boiler or in a water bath.
In the same way, catfish are prepared for roasting in the oven or soaking in a slow cooker.
What is a catfish?
Zubatkovye - a family of ray-finned fish, belonging to the order of perciformes. They live in temperate and cold zones of the seas of the northern hemisphere. Some species are objects of fishing and sport fishing. The body is elongated, the dimensions are relatively large. Wikipedia
Catfish is characterized by a terrifying look, it has huge eyes, slightly bulging in front and a flattened belly.
The body length is about 1.5 meters, weight - about 30 kilograms.
Sometimes there are also larger individuals, differing in impressive parameters.
This type does not belong to expensive, elite delicacies and does not specifically catch it. A catfish gets into fishing nets often completely by accident, along with the catch.
However, in some countries, its meat is considered a delicacy and is quite expensive.
Photos of fish catfish
Its name arose due to the presence of many sharp teeth that are somewhat concave inward. Due to the presence of such canines, the fish has some similarities with the common wolf and is also called the "sea wolf"
