Fish such as whitebait, Atlantic capelin, Japanese smelt, and small dried sardines, often consumed whole, are rich in calcium and vitamin A
Japanese scientists have reported that eating small fish whole (witn bones and internal organs) may come with big gains in longevity. It also seems to reduce cancer mortality.
Dr. Chinatsu Kasahara, Associate Professor Takashi Tamura, and Professor Kenji Wakai at Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan have reported their findings in the journal Public Health Nutrition. Fish such as whitebait, Atlantic capelin, Japanese smelt, and small dried sardines, often consumed whole, are rich in calcium and vitamin A
The research team investigated the association between the intake of small fish and mortality risk among Japanese people. The study included 80,802 participants (34,555 men and 46,247 women) aged 35 to 69 years nationwide in Japan. The participants’ frequency of the intake of small fish was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire at baseline. The researchers followed them for an average of nine years. During the follow-up period, 2,482 deaths from people included in the study were recorded, with approximately 60% (1,495 deaths) of them being cancer related.
One of the most striking findings of the study was the significant reduction in all-cause and cancer mortality among women who habitually eat small fish.
“Previous studies have revealed the protective effect of fish intake on health outcomes, including mortality risks. However, few studies have focused on the effect of the intake of small fish specifically on health outcomes,” said the lead researcher, Dr. Kasahara. “I was interested in this topic because I have had the habit of eating small fish since childhood. I now feed my children these.”
The research team investigated the association between the intake of small fish and mortality risk among Japanese people. The study included 80,802 participants (34,555 men and 46,247 women) aged 35 to 69 years nationwide in Japan. The participants’ frequency of the intake of small fish was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire at baseline. The researchers followed them for an average of nine years. During the follow-up period, 2,482 deaths from people included in the study were recorded, with approximately 60% (1,495 deaths) of them being cancer related.
