Why Scientists Say It’s GOOD to Eat Fish and Chips! An extra portion of cod every week ‘could save the NHS £600 million a year by preventing thousands of cases of cancer and type 2 diabetes’
Whether it’s the catch of the day or the chip shop, it is traditional to eat fish on Good Friday.
Research now shows that expanding the pastime to every week would massively boost the country’s health and economy.
If everyone ate one more portion of fish per week than at current levels, the NHS could save up to £600 million a year, the study estimates.
Meanwhile, businesses could save up to £360m a year in reduced absenteeism, according to analysis from the University of East Anglia.
Whether it’s the catch of the day or the chip shop, it is traditional to eat fish on Good Friday. Research now shows that expanding the pastime to every week would massively boost the country’s health and economy
The simple switch to a healthier option could prevent thousands of cases of cancer and type 2 diabetes, they suggest.
Diets rich in seafood are a lean source of protein and are recommended for maintaining a healthy weight and lowering cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
NHS guidelines recommend that people eat at least two portions of fish per week, including one portion of oily fish, such as salmon or tuna.
But current estimates suggest that people in England typically eat only half the recommended amounts.
If this were increased to two, scientists estimate it could prevent up to 4,900 cases of type 2 diabetes and 18,000 cases of cancer per year, including almost 9,000 bowel cancers.
According to the health and economic models, people could reduce their chances of developing type 2 diabetes by 15 percent and colon cancer by as much as 42 percent.
The findings showed that the biggest benefits would accrue in the North East, where seafood consumption is lowest compared to the rest of England.
These benefits would be visible over the next decade if implemented today, according to the findings of the research commissioned by Seafish, a government agency that supports the UK fishing industry.
Younger groups tended to consume less seafood per week on average compared to those over 55, with more than a fifth (22 percent) of all preventable illness cases falling in the 25-34 age group.
Teresa Fenn, director of the Risk & Policy Analysts team that led the study, said: ‘This research asks whether there would be significant socio-economic benefits for the English population if there were increased fish consumption.
‘The answer is a clear yes. The reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer has a huge ripple effect, from improving quality of life for individuals to influencing government funding.”
She added: ‘Disease prevention through nutrition is an accessible and realistic way to tackle these conditions.’
Even under tight household budgets, experts say there are both low-cost and sustainable options.
For example, a 120 gram can of sardines costs just 47 cents and is a rich source of omega 3, which is crucial for good heart health.
The popular whitefish pollock has an average price of £6.20 per kg, compared to £8.33 per kg for beef and £6.95 per kg for pork.
Marcus Coleman from Seafish said: ‘A healthy diet should be the first step in tackling preventable disease, and the health benefits of eating more seafood are clearly visible.
‘Increasing the amount of fish and shellfish in our diets could save thousands of lives every year, as well as provide a much-needed boost to the UK economy at a time of economic uncertainty.’
WHAT SHOULD A BALANCED DIET LOOK LIKE?
Meals should be based on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, preferably whole grains, according to the NHS
• Eat at least 5 portions of varied fruit and vegetables every day. All fresh, frozen, dried and canned fruits and vegetables count
• Basic meals on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, preferably whole wheat
• 30 grams of fiber per day: This is the same as eating all of the following: 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, 2 whole-grain cereal cookies, 2 thick slices of whole-grain bread, and a large baked potato with the skin still on
• Provide some dairy or dairy alternatives (such as soy drinks), opting for lower fat and lower sugar options
• Eat some beans, legumes, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins (including 2 portions of fish per week, one portion of which is fatty)
• Choose unsaturated oils and spreads and consume them in small quantities
• Drink 6-8 cups/glasses of water per day
• Adults should have less than 6 g of salt and 20 g of saturated fat for women or 30 g for men per day
Source: NHS Eatwell Guide