Possible good effects of fish on certain chronic diseases

A recent umbrella review of 34 meta-analyzes of observational studies shows a slight decrease in the risk of chronic disease when you eat a little fish every day.

In recent times, the consumption of fish is decried for the health. In question, pollution of the oceans and, even within fish, the presence of heavy metals among others, that they can meet and eat. Yes, via other reading prisms, this consumption can be discussed, for health, the facts are always on his side. Indeed, the results of observational studies continue to show correlations between good health and fish consumption. A recent umbrella review of 34 meta-analyzes published in the journal Advances in Nutrition we learn that eating a little fish every day would slightly reduce the relative risk of chronic disease.

Very slight risk reduction

First of all, it should be noted that the complete study could not be obtained by the editorial staff. This therefore means that we have not been able to verify the homogeneity of the meta-analyzes taken into account by the authors. We therefore rely solely on their summary and therefore the results must be understood with caution by the readership.

Well, now that it is said, what do we learn from this review? Already, it does not allowinfer causation. It is an observational study, it only shows correlations. Investigators report that a small consumption (100 grams) of fish daily reduces the relative risk (i.e. compared toimpact normal) of several chronic diseases. They nevertheless point out that the evidence is of moderate quality.

Therefore, we note that this reduces the relative risk of all-cause mortality from 3 to 13%, cardiovascular mortality from 13 to 35%, coronary heart disease from 1 to 21%,myocardial infarction from 7 to 35%,stroke from 1 to 25%, ofcardiac arrest from 5 to 33%, depression from 2 to 21% and liver cancer from 13 to 52%. Concerning the other cancers, the evidence is too weak and the results are not significant.

Don't be afraid of the fish

Despite what can potentially be found in it, fish remains a healthy food. To do your best, check its provenance and status (breeding or wild). Favor fresh fish and small fish, you can eat them regularly, 2 to 3 times a week, as suggested by current recommendations and as is the case in the Mediterranean diet.

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