Catfish fish: benefits and harm to the human body

Catfish is considered one of the largest fish living in fresh water. Its mass can reach more than 300 kg, but this is a rare exception. Not every person will be able to catch such an individual, because the fishing line will not withstand such stress. But on the other hand, catching small catfish is easy enough, and cooking them is even easier. In addition, this fish has a dozen useful vitamins and minerals that have a beneficial effect on human health - and more on this later in the article.

What does catfish look like and where is it found?

This is a fairly large fish with a large head, on the sides of which is located one thick mustache. Several small ones also grow on the chin. But they play an important role in the life of catfish - thanks to them, he finds food for himself even in the dark.

This species of fish has an elongated, slimy body. Scales are practically absent. The tail has a rounded shape. Another characteristic feature of the catfish is the absence of a fat fin and sharp needles on the fins.

The average age of this species of fish is 25–30 years, but occasionally there have been cases when catfish have lived and are more than 50 years old. The color is mostly dark gray.

The habitat of catfish is fresh water in the European part of Russia and Europe.

Kinds

1. Som Soldatov. This species is considered endangered and is listed in the Red Book. In length, it can reach more than 2 m, average weight - 80 kg. Som Soldatov is almost no different from the European appearance and lifestyle. Only on the sides is it not gray (typical for catfish color), but light brown. The belly is completely white. Its habitat is the Amur River, Lake Khanka.
2. Amur (Far Eastern) catfish. This type of catfish differs from the previous one in size and weight. In length, it reaches only 1 m, and its average mass is only 6–8 kg. The body has a marshy color, and the belly is painted white. Very often this catfish is found in the waters of Japan, China and Korea.
3. Channel catfish. Dimensions in length reach 50-130 cm. Body weight varies from 4 to 9 kg. Catfish is distinguished by a blue color with an olive shade. Its habitat is North America, where it is grown for industrial purposes.
4. African catfish. This type of catfish has one very important and characteristic feature that distinguishes them from all other brothers. They have an organ, which is a prototype of the lung, which allows fish to live on land for 15 hours. Appearance is no different from ordinary catfish, only the sides are slightly flattened. Its habitat is the Jordan River, the waters of Southeast Asia.

What is the difference between catfish and burbot

Burbot is a fish that lives in the fresh waters of Siberia, Europe and North America. Unlike catfish, an individual has a pale green or olive color, sometimes brown species are found. They also spawn in the winter, when catfish are completely inactive.

Breeding is typical for catfish in March-April, and they must have a permanent nesting place, where the female will lay eggs, and the male will be protected. Burbot has no traits to look for a permanent place for procreation.

If burbot likes cold waters more, then catfish prefers warmer ones.

Composition and calorie content

Catfish have very tasty and tender meat, they have almost no bones, which greatly facilitates the cooking process.The chemical composition of this fish includes a number of useful elements: vitamins of groups A, B, E, PP and C, as well as elements such as phosphorus, iodine, manganese, cobalt, calcium. That is, catfish contains almost the entire periodic table, so it must be present in the diet of every person. This is a real storehouse for maintaining health, improving the functioning of the digestive, cardiovascular systems and so on.

The calorie content of catfish is different from the type of preparation. For example, boiled fish contains 196 kilocalories, and dried - 115. If the catfish is baked in the oven, its calorie content will be about 113 kilocalories, steamed 127, stew 118. There are no carbohydrates in this product, which makes its dietary. But the protein in it is 17.2 g, and fat - 5.1 g per 100 g. Based on the above information, we can conclude that the nutritional value of catfish is very high. It is best to eat this fish dried, stewed, steamed or baked. Then it retains as many nutrients as possible, respectively, and there will be much more benefit from it.

Useful properties of catfish

General benefit

As already mentioned, a large amount of various vitamins and minerals is included in the catfish, which makes it a useful product.

1. Firstly, the chemical elements contained in it have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the nervous system. Therefore, catfish is a natural antidepressant that can be consumed during breakdowns to calm down.
2. Thanks to B vitamins, cellular metabolism improves, the cardiovascular system improves. They also participate in the synthesis of DNA cells. In addition, these substances are responsible for maintaining tone and energy in the body.
3. Eating catfish helps to combat viral diseases and improves health by restoring immunity cells, since there is vitamin C.
4. People with diabetes are also advised to consume catfish to normalize their blood sugar.
5. Since this fish species contains calcium, naturally, the condition of the bones improves, they become stronger.
6. Phosphorus contained in the catfish is responsible for the normal state of the oral cavity, as well as for maintaining mental and muscle activity.
7. Useful elements also affect the condition of the hair. They become smooth and silky. The nails are strengthened, thereby reducing the risk of peeling, the appearance of microcracks and so on.
8. Catfish meat is a prophylactic against stroke, cancer, osteoarthritis and other serious diseases.

For women

The chemical composition of catfish includes vitamin E, which has beneficial effects on women's health. He is responsible for beauty, health, youth, and most importantly - fertility. In addition, such a useful element as tocopherol, which forms the basis of vitamin E, is a powerful antioxidant, with the help of which it is possible to remove unwanted wastes and toxins from the body, which will contribute to much faster weight loss. This affects the condition of the skin, which is rejuvenated, cells regenerate faster, the face acquires a natural radiance and a healthy look. He is also responsible for preventing age-related wrinkles. Many gynecologists call it the "vitamin of reproduction," because it helps to activate sexual desire and the proper functioning of the reproductive system.

Those women who have an unstable cycle of menstruation are recommended to eat catfish in order to normalize it. It helps the production of female hormone - estrogen.

For men

Vitamin E, mentioned above, is also beneficial for men. He is actively working on the production of seminal fluid. In addition to this, one cannot but say about the high content of zinc. This vitamin is a necessary component of maintaining men's health. It increases the amount of testosterone in the body and eliminates estrogen, which begins to be actively produced with age. Zinc also affects sperm production, which improves fertility.

During pregnancy

The lack of vitamin E found in catfish can lead to miscarriage.It also has nicotinic acid, which is responsible for maintaining the normal condition of the fetus. She is especially recommended for those expectant mothers who expect twins or triplets.

Doctors prescribe nicotinic acid for the normal functioning of the placenta. Its lack leads to nervous disorders, depression in pregnant women, impaired function of the urinary system.

When breastfeeding

During the lactation period, you need to be sensitive to the products included in the diet, this also applies to catfish. But this does not mean that it should not be consumed at all. It has many useful enzymes that the child will absorb through mother's milk. Eating fish is best in boiled form.

For kids

The inclusion of catfish in the child’s diet improves bone strength, increases the development of brain activity. Naturally, when it comes to young children who are 1 or 2 years old, it is necessary to introduce a new product very carefully and in small portions. Catfish meat is too fat for crumbs, which can cause problems with the gastrointestinal tract.

When losing weight

It has already been said above that catfish is a dietary product. It is completely lacking carbohydrates. In addition, the high content of B vitamins improves metabolism, therefore the digestive organs better cope with their functions, toxins, carcinogens, carcinogens that poison the body from the inside, are removed, which contributes to effective and fast weight loss.

With diabetes

Catfish meat will be a prophylactic during diabetes. The components that are present in it help stabilize the state of sugar in the blood. Just do not need to eat it fried, as people with diabetes are not recommended to eat fatty foods cooked in oil. It is better to dwell on such types of cooking as stewing or baking, which will be much more useful and not as high in calories.

Catfish liver: benefits and harms

Catfish liver includes a large amount of fish oil, which is excellent for human health. It affects the strengthening of bone tissue and improves the functioning of the digestive organs. In addition, fish oil helps to improve memory and active brain activity. There are no contraindications to use, except when a person is allergic to this product. But it is worth noting the specific taste of the liver, so not everyone will like it.

Is smoked catfish good for you?

Smoked catfish preserves all vitamins and minerals. But still there is one minus - for smoking fish requires a lot of salt. And it causes swelling, problems with urination, increases pressure in the human body, so pregnant women, people with kidney diseases, and the elderly are not recommended to eat smoked catfish.

What is useful catfish caviar

There are a lot of omega-3 acids in caviar, which positively affect the body. They improve the functioning of the endocrine, nervous and cardiovascular systems. But she gained much greater popularity in cosmetology. Anti-aging masks, creams, serums - all this is done from catfish caviar, since the main function of polyunsaturated fatty acids is the regeneration of the skin. But here it must be borne in mind that canned caviar should not be used for these purposes, since it will do more harm than good, but only fresh.

Harm and contraindications

Soma can not be consumed by those who have individual intolerance, various kinds of allergies to seafood. But in all other cases, this product should be in the diet of each person in a normal amount - at least 1 time per week. Overeating threatens with problems with cholesterol and kidneys.

How to choose and store

It is important to deal with the basic rules of choice, as on store shelves, markets can give out stale fish for just caught.

Several factors need to be considered:

1. Healthy and fresh fish have bright red gills.
2. Eyes should be crystal clear. If the fish has expired, the pupils will be clouded.
3. Fresh fish smells delicious. An old product will have a characteristic unpleasant odor.

The choice of fish is a very sensitive matter that requires certain knowledge. The factors talking about the freshness of the product are described above. It is necessary to pay attention to the color of the gills (it should be bright red), the condition of the eyes and a characteristic smell.

Storage does not require any specific rules, but it is recommended either to immediately prepare the catfish, or throw it in the freezer, where it can lie quietly for about 4 months.

How to clean catfish

This fish needs a certain approach. But, of course, the absence of scales makes the cleaning process much easier.

Before you start gutting the carcass, you need to make sure of your own safety. It is necessary to pay attention to the near-fin fins, which have fairly sharp spikes. They can easily injure a cook, so you need to immediately cut them off carefully with a knife or scissors.

Then you need to wash the carcass well to rid it of excess and unpleasant mucus. This should be done exactly until the moment when the skin becomes completely light and clean. A knife or a hard sponge can help scrape off mucus. Some are afraid to damage the skin of the catfish, but do not worry, because it is very durable.

In camping conditions, during fishing, you can rid the catfish of mucus with ash.

Gutting
When the fish is prepared, you can proceed to gutting the carcass. Turning the catfish on his back and making a small puncture on his head, you need to cut his belly. Then gently remove the skin by prying with a knife and without damaging the internal organs. It must be remembered that if the gall bladder breaks, its contents will spill over the meat and significantly spoil the taste of the product.

All these actions are followed by the stage of extraction of internal organs. Then you need to cut the gills and remove them afterwards. Then remove the inner films. If the catfish has caviar, then it is necessary to get it.

This is followed by the step of separating the fillet and skinning. Skinning is necessary when the carcass is still whole. By hanging fish by the gills, you can greatly simplify your task. It is necessary to make an incision near the head and along the entire fish ridge. Next, the skin should be pulled over and carefully removed so that the meat does not go away with it.

Once the skin is finished, you can separate the fillet from the spine. The only bones in the catfish are ribs. It is enough to remove them, and you get pure meat. It is necessary to make an incision along the spinal bone, then go deep in the area of ​​the ribs. Cut the fillet from the tail and repeat the same with the other side.

How to cook a catfish: recipes

In the oven

Roasting fish is considered one of the most useful types of cooking, as it then becomes non-nutritive and retains all the elements. Thanks to this, the meat becomes juicy and tender. The recipe itself is very simple.

Recipe number 1
Ingredients:

• Catfish - 1 pc.
• Lemon - 1 pc.
• Sunflower oil.
• Spices to taste (sea salt, pepper, rosemary, paprika).

Process:

1. Before cooking, clean and gut the fish.
2. Then make shallow cuts along the entire length of the catfish.
3. Squeeze the juice out of the lemon using a juicer and rub the carcass with it, without missing the area of ​​incisions.
4. Then marinate the fish in spices using salt, pepper, special seasoning, paprika, rosemary. It is good to rub them, and then give the som time to soak - for about 30 minutes.
5. During this time, while the catfish is soaked in lemon juice and spices, prepare the oven. Cover the baking sheet with foil, simultaneously lubricating it with vegetable oil. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees.
6. After a while, put the fish on a baking sheet and send to bake. After 45 minutes, the catfish will be ready.

Serving is recommended by garnishing with sprigs of rosemary and lemon slices.

Recipe number 2
Ingredients:

• Catfish - 1 pc.
• Potato - 1 kg.
• Bulbs - 3 pcs.
• Carrots - 1 pc.
• Half a lemon.
• Egg - 1 pc.
• Cheese - 250 g.
• Spices to taste.
• Sunflower oil - 2 tbsp.
• Greens.
• Mayonnaise - 6 tablespoons

Cooking process:

1. Clean and gut the carcass. Cut it into pieces and sprinkle with lemon juice.
2. Then marinate the fillet in the selected spices. You can use salt, black pepper, bay leaf, rosemary.
3. Leave the fish for a while so that it is well saturated. Then the meat will be very tender and tasty. At this time, prepare the vegetable mixture for the dish. Cut 3 potatoes into thin slices, sprinkle with mayonnaise and set aside. Cut the remaining potatoes, carrots, onions into small cubes. Marinate them in mayonnaise, spices (experienced cooks with experience advise using coriander).
4. Fill the vegetable mixture with vegetable oil and mix thoroughly.
5. Finely chop the greens, grind the cheese and leave aside. At this stage of cooking, this is not necessary.
6. For dressing, break an egg, add mayonnaise and pour in a little water.
7. Grease a deep baking dish with vegetable oil. Then put the vegetable mixture, and then the pickled fillet. For beauty, add greens on top.
8. Then put the potato circles, moistening them with egg and mayonnaise sauce.
9. After that, send the fish to the oven preheated to 180 degrees. After 35–40 minutes, remove the dish and sprinkle with grated cheese on top. Then put it back in the oven for a few minutes to melt the cheese.

After 5-7 minutes, the dish will be ready.

In the pan

The most delicious way to cook catfish in a pan is a recipe for frying fish in batter. The meat is delicious, with a crispy crust.

Ingredients:

• Catfish - 1 pc.
• Half a lemon.
• Sour cream - 1 tablespoon
• Mayonnaise - 2 tbsp.
• Egg - 1 pc.
• Flour - 2-3 tbsp
• Salt.
• Vegetable oil.
• Greens (parsley, dill).

Cooking process:

1. Before you start the cooking process itself, prepare the fish. Peel, gut, rid of the skin.
2. To remove the smell of the river, leave the fish for a few minutes in lemon juice.
3. During this time, cook batter. Mix sour cream with mayonnaise, then add the broken egg to them. Beat the resulting mixture thoroughly and add salt to taste.
4. Next comes the turn of flour. Before adding it to the mayonnaise-egg mixture, sift it through a sieve. In order for the batter to be viscous, the flour must be added gradually and thoroughly mixed.
5. Cut the fish fillet into oblong pieces. Grate them with salt, and then dip each sirloin piece in batter.
6. Put them on a pre-heated skillet. The fish should not drown in sunflower oil, but no need to regret.
7. On each side, fry fish pieces, put on a beautiful plate, add some delicious sauce in the middle, sprinkle with herbs and serve a tasty dish on the table.

On the grill

The most important thing in cooking catfish on the grill is to make a delicious marinade.

Ingredients:

• Lemon juice - 150 g.
• Pomegranate juice - 150 g.
• Grape Juice - 150 g.
• Sour cream - 2 tbsp.
• Onion - 4 pcs.
• Garlic - 4 cloves.
• Greens (dill, cilantro, parsley) - 1 bunch.
• Bay leaf - 3 pcs.
• Spices to taste.

Cooking process:

1. Mix lemon, pomegranate and grape juices.
2. Then add sour cream to them.
3. Finely chop the greens and add to the resulting mixture.
4. Then chop the onion into large slices and add to the marinade.
5. Add spices to taste, grated garlic and bay leaf.
6. Keep the fillet pieces in the resulting marinade for 1-2 hours, so that the meat is saturated, it is juicy and tender.

In a slow cooker

Ingredients:

• Catfish - 1 pc.
• Tomatoes - 3 pcs.
• Bell pepper - 2 pcs.
• Carrots - 1 pc.
• Onion - 1 pc.
• Greens - 1 bunch
• Sharp adjika.

Cooking process:

1. Prepare a carcass of catfish: peel off the mucus and gut it.
2. Soma cut into small oblong pieces.
3. Dice all vegetables.
4. In a slow cooker, the bottom of which is greased with sunflower oil, put the fish, then vegetables. Pour all this on top adjika.
5. Select the "Extinguishing" mode and leave to simmer for 1 hour. Then, after the time has passed, set the “Baking” mode and wait 15–20 minutes.

The fish is ready, you can serve it to the table.

What can be prepared from catfish: recipes

Cutlets

Fish cakes are a favorite treat of so many people. You need to at least once in your life try delicious meatballs made from tender catfish meat.

Ingredients:

• Catfish - 1 pc.
• Onion - 1 pc.
• Garlic - 2-3 cloves.
• Long loaf - 3 slices.
• Egg - 1 pc.
• Butter - 50 g.
• Flour - 3-4 tbsp.
• Vegetable oil - 3 tbsp.
• Spices - to taste (salt, pepper).

Cooking process:

1. Separate the fillet from the vertebral part, so that then it is crushed in a blender or meat grinder.
2. Add the soaked loaf to the minced meat, drive an egg in there. Sprinkle with spices on top. Mix everything thoroughly.
3. Put the future patties into a frying pan preheated, dipping them in flour in advance.
4. Fry each side for 5-10 minutes.

The result is delicious, delicate fish cakes.

Ear

The ear is not only useful, but also a dietary product, so it is suitable for all those people who are trying to monitor their weight.

Ingredients:

• Catfish - 1 pc.
• Potato - 5 pcs.
• Carrots - 1 pc.
• Onion - 1 pc.
• Bay leaf - 1-2 pcs.
• Spices to taste.
• Greens.

Cooking process:

1. Prepare the fish: peel and gut it.
2. Cut the head into several parts, and cut the body into small pieces.
3. Rinse the head and ridge thoroughly before sending it into the water. Boil it for half an hour, and then pour in finely chopped pieces of fillet, add bay leaf and spices.
4. At the next cooking stage, proceed to the vegetables. Cut potatoes into cubes, grate carrots and chop the onion finely.
5. Vegetables, with the exception of potatoes, send to a pre-heated skillet and fry. After the onions and carrots have a golden hue, remove them from the stove.
6. While frying is preparing, add chopped potatoes to your ear. By the way, at least 40 minutes should pass from the moment you start cooking fish soup and the moment you add potatoes.
7. Wait another 15 minutes until the potatoes are cooked, and then add the fried onions and carrots.
8. After 5-8 minutes, turn off the fire.

Gorgeous catfish ear is ready.

Roll

Ingredients:

• Catfish - 1 pc.
• Onion - 1 pc.
• Pickled mushrooms - 50 g.
• Boiled eggs - 3-4 pcs.
• Pickled cucumbers - 4–5 pcs.
• Sour cream - 2-3 tbsp
• Wine vinegar - 1 tsp
• Sunflower oil - 1 tbsp.
• Bay leaf - 1 pc.
• Parsley - 1 bunch.
• Sugar - to taste.
• Salt to taste.
• Pepper to taste.

Cooking process:

1. Cleaned, gutted fish, clean, rinse and cut the loin into 2 parts.
2. 2 boiled eggs, cut into small cubes, chop parsley. Sprinkle all this on top with salt and pepper.
3. Put the mixture on one of the half of the fish fillet, roll it and dress it so that it turns out a small roll. With the second half do the same.
4. At this time, while the vegetable mixture and rolls are done, put a pot of water on the stove and let it boil. Already add to the boiling water spices, bay leaf, then fish and cook until cooked.
5. While cooking catfish, you can do the sauce. Grate the yolks of 2 other eggs, turning into gruel, add vegetable oil, mustard, vinegar, spices, sugar, sour cream, pickled cucumbers and mushrooms.Mix everything well.
6. Cut the finished roll into slices and serve with the sauce.

Barbecue

Ingredients:

• Catfish - 2-3 pcs.
• Onion - 3-4 pcs.
• Vegetable oil - 6 tbsp.
• Sea salt to taste.
• Sour cream - 3 tablespoons
• Spices to taste.

Cooking process:

1. Prepare the catfish: clean, gut and separate the carcass from the ridge.
2. Rinse the fillet and remove excess moisture with paper towels.
3. Cut the catfish in large enough pieces.
4. Then proceed to the marinade. Mix lemon juice, sour cream, salt, seasonings and vegetable oil. Mix the resulting mixture well.
5. Moisten the pieces of fish fillet in the marinade and leave for a couple of hours.
6. After the fish has been soaked, it can be fried. The grill is perfect for this. It is recommended to fry on medium coals. Catfish should acquire a golden hue on both sides. Then he will be ready.

Interesting Facts

1. Catfish can live for more than 50 years. Ichthyologists found individuals whose age reached 75 years.
2. Catfish hunts only at night. In this he is helped by a mustache, which is located on his chin.
3. When a catfish hunts, it lures victims with its mustache. Thus, it imitates the worms that small fish feed on.

Catfish photo