Catfish fish: benefits and harm to the body

Many people today consider catfish to be predatory fish. This is due to the presence of her large teeth. According to ancient beliefs, catfish attacked people, and sailors more than once became its victim at the time of the shipwreck. Is it really? Let's talk about catfish, talk about its features, existing species, about the benefits of fish and its harm.

What does catfish look like and where does it live?

Catfish resembles moray eels, similar to a snake. It belongs to percussion and has a large size, sometimes the length of such a fish can reach almost 1.6 m. It is not very pretty, you can even say that its appearance is frightening. A huge head, powerful jaws, protruding fangs - that's why fishermen used to be afraid of catfish. If she was caught, then her head was dried and placed in their homes to surprise their guests with a strange creature.

But this is not quite so. The terrible jaws of the fish play a role, but they are mainly intended for nibbling mollusks on underwater rocks and stones. This is how catfish feeds. Its main food is small fish, mollusks, crustaceans, jellyfish. Therefore, it is not surprising that the teeth regularly grind and deteriorate, no. In the new season, new ones appear at the place of the lost teeth.

Catfish has a second name in the people - "sea wolf". But her temper is calm and even meek. She mostly hides at a depth and emerges only when she needs to catch a passing prey. She leads a passive hunt, attacking from cover.

Scuba divers who have visited the depths have witnessed her calm behavior. She did not attack them and did not touch the small fish that swam nearby, waiting for the remnants of her meal. But it is worth noting that at the time of danger the fish is ready to use its terrible jaws. At this moment, you need to be afraid of her. It is known that with her fangs she can calmly bite a log or a thick leather boot.

Habitat

The main habitat is the oceans. You can meet fish in the North, Atlantic and Arctic oceans. In our country, catfish is found in the Baltic, Northern, Barents Seas; it was spotted in the White area. A catfish lives at a depth of about 500 m. It loves a muddy or sandy bottom, excavations and cave places.

Views

There are several types of "sea wolf".

1. Far Eastern. It got its name because of its habitat. Such a fish is found in Kamchatka, the Chukchi Sea has chosen. It has a long body, swims easily among the stones of the archipelagos. Her awesome appearance resembles an moray eel. Local fishermen nicknamed this type of dog. It is little studied, but it is known that it is found at a depth of no more than 15 m, it loves rocky and rocky soil. This fish is not commercial, only by chance it can get on the net.
2. Striped Got a name because of its color. Has transverse dark stripes along the entire body. In length it can reach 1.5 m, weight - up to 20 kg.
3. Acne. Large fish longer than 2 meters. Despite this, the weight is small. It feeds mainly on crustaceans, shells and shells, which it easily bites through with its fangs.
4. Sandy. It has a second name - ordinary catfish. This is the most active species of this family.
5. Blue Got a name because of its color. There are species that have a color from gray to bright blue.

What is the difference between blue catfish and motley

To begin, we will analyze the common features of these species:

• large, powerful jaws, terrifying fangs;
• both of them prefer the northern part of the Atlantic Ocean;
• feed on jellyfish, crustaceans, mollusks, echinoderms, etc .;
• they have the same behavior: they love solitude and live in depth;
• hunt passively, waiting for their prey from shelter;
• have the same taste and nutritional value.

Differences:

1. The blue appearance is slightly larger than the motley one.
2. Different color.
3. Blue catfish love depth, they are more active than motley ones, spotted ones prefer shallows.
4. The motley catfish is much more fertile than the blue.
5. Blue catfish contains less fat than mottled.
6. The mottled appearance has more muscle fibers.
7. The motley catfish meat is much denser and richer, therefore its price in the market is higher.
8. The representative of the blue species has more vitamin A.
9. Motley catfish is more in demand due to its useful and taste properties.

Composition and calorie content

Catfish is a representative of the northern oceans and seas. This affects its taste and fat composition. Scientists have proven that low temperatures allow you to store acids and fats in the body. And in the catfish there are enough of them, from which omega-3 should be distinguished. If we talk about protein compounds, then by the number of them in fish, they will not be inferior even to tiger shrimp.

When compared with fish such as cod, catfish are more high in calories. Per 100 g of product - 126 kcal, variegated slightly less - 105 kcal. There are no carbohydrates in the fish, but a sufficient amount of protein and fat.

Important! Calorie content may vary and depends on the method of its preparation. Fried fish is much more caloric than steam or boiled.

The composition of the "sea wolf" contains the following useful substances and trace elements:

• magnesium;
• zinc;
• calcium;
• iron;
• potassium;
• lysine;
• thiamine;
• riboflavin;
• a nicotinic acid;
• pyridoxine;
• phosphorus;
• sulfur;
• iodine;
• copper;
• sodium and others

All useful substances contained in fish cannot be listed in one article. We can say that in the catfish there are almost all the elements from the periodic table. If you use it regularly, then you will not have to spend money on expensive vitamins. The fish will provide all the necessary and important substances, macro- and microelements that will allow all body systems to function fully.

Of the vitamins, groups B, E, A, C, D, PP should be distinguished.

Worth to know! The advantage of fish fillet is its easy digestibility.

Why catfish is useful

General benefit

The catfish contains a large amount of iodine, for this reason it is recommended to use it for people with thyroid problems. It has many protein compounds that are necessary for children, the elderly, pregnant and lactating mothers. Contained in the composition of omega-3 lowers cholesterol.

Catfish fillet, due to the content of valuable elements in it, is recommended for people suffering from cardiovascular diseases. Catfish has a beneficial effect on cerebral circulation, inhibits the development of atherosclerosis and plaques, strengthens the immune system.

Thanks to potassium, catfish removes excess salt, relieves swelling. Vitamin D has a beneficial effect on blood coagulation, strengthens bone and muscle tissue, and the nervous system. And vitamin PP prevents the development of atherosclerosis.

Regular catfish intake helps:

• with impaired digestion;
• hypertension
• unstable metabolism in the body;
• ischemia.

Catfish meat is recommended to all people without exception, starting with children and ending with the elderly. It is especially useful for women during pregnancy and lactation.

Due to its composition and low calorie meat, "sea wolf" can be attributed to the category of dietary products.With the help of fish fillet it is not difficult to maintain the body's performance at the right level. Catfish meat supports muscle tissue and prevents the fibers from breaking down, and even more so does not contribute to their reduction. When conducting a diet with catfish, the weight decreases gradually, due to the smooth destruction of the fatty layers. Moreover, the lack of minerals and other useful substances does not occur.

Worth to know! Catfish cannot be completely replaced with other products. It can only make up for the missing elements in the body. It is enough to take meat 2 times in 7 days to reduce the calorie intake per day.

You can use the fillet of "sea wolf" during the fasting days. But do not abuse it, enough 2 times a week.

For women

Seabass fillet is useful for women, especially for those who follow their figure. With it, you can lose weight or spend fasting days. It will fill the body with all the necessary minerals, vitamins and minerals, so there will be no shortage of nutrients during the diet.

In addition, catfish prolongs youth, as it has a beneficial effect on the work of almost all body systems. To have fresh skin, healthy hair and nails, you need to include in your diet a fillet of "sea wolf".

For men

For the stronger sex, catfish will be no less useful than for women. The protein which is a part of meat removes toxins and lowers cholesterol, normalizes metabolic processes.

Thanks to the vitamin D present in fish, bone tissue is strengthened. Regular use of catfish strengthens muscle mass.

During pregnancy

In pregnant women, catfish will be beneficial in moderation. The fish will allow you to replenish the body with the necessary useful elements, remove excess fluid and relieve swelling.

Regular consumption of seabass meat will positively affect the development of the fetus and the health of the woman herself.

When breastfeeding

"Sea Wolf" is recommended to include in their diet for women during lactation. It cannot be said that meat can increase or accelerate the production of milk, but the fish will definitely raise the quality of milk. Due to this, the baby will be able to get the most useful and valuable substances that are necessary for development. Yes, and the woman herself will recover faster after childbirth.

For children

The children's body constantly requires vitamins, minerals, micro and macro elements. Therefore, the use of catfish for children will come in handy. In addition, it is proved that fish meat improves memory, has a beneficial effect on the brain. Due to the content of useful substances in it, the child will strengthen bone and muscle tissue.

Another important point of including catfish in the child’s diet is the fact that regular consumption of fish meat strengthens the immune system, improves overall well-being, saturates the cells and tissues of the body with the necessary substances.

When losing weight

Catfish meat can be attributed to dietary products. If the fish is steamed or boiled, then the calorie content will be low. Given its usefulness and importance for the body, it is easy to lose weight with its help. It is clear that the process will not be fast, but fats will forever leave the body.

Is catfish useful for diabetes

Experts recommend that diabetics include catfish in their diet. The meat of the "sea wolf" will lower cholesterol, remove salts, normalize the metabolism in the body. And this is very important for a disease such as diabetes.

It is proved that catfish meat reduces the likelihood of developing cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, normalizes blood pressure, strengthens the immune system, and relieves depression.

Catfish for pancreatitis and gastritis

The meat of the seabass is easily absorbed by the body and does not cause heaviness in the stomach. Patients with gastritis and pancreatitis are recommended to include catfish in their diet. It normalizes metabolic processes in the body, accelerates metabolism.

Harm and contraindications

Catfish have virtually no contraindications. The only negative may be intolerance or a tendency to allergies. For example, it should not be used by those who are hypersensitive to fish products.

There are other points:

1. When conducting a diet with a low protein content in foods, it is better not to include fish in the diet.
2. Sometimes doctors do not advise the "sea wolf" to children who are not yet 6 years old.
3. Carcinogens are present in fried fish meat, so be careful when using it.
4. It is not recommended to consume seabass meat in patients suffering from pancreatic diseases and impaired function of endocrine glands.

But do not forget about moderation. Abuse always leads to unpredictable consequences. It is enough to cook fish for the family 2 times in 14 days. And people suffering from chronic diseases should first consult with their doctor and coordinate their diet with him.

How to choose and store

In stores, catfish is sold frozen or chilled. To make a delicious dish of fish, it is necessary to observe some points when choosing:

1. Eyes. They should have a light color, be clean and convex. The muddy “eyes” of the fish and their hollowness indicates the staleness of the product. If the fish is sold without a head, and there is no way to determine the freshness of the eyes, then it is better not to buy such a product.
2. Meat. Fillet of fresh catfish is always elastic with a pleasant light shade. It is better to choose a chilled product, as frozen fillet may not taste good. The fish could be thawed more than once and frozen again, which negatively affects its taste.
3. Gills. The fresh "sea wolf" they are pinkish or with a red tint. They should be without mucus. If the gills smell unpleasantly, have a brown or beige color, then the fish is not quite fresh. Such a product should not be taken.
4. Carcasses. High-quality fillet will not be sticky, it should glide. If you press on fresh meat with your hands, it should return to its previous state.
5. Belly. If it is mucous and enlarged, it means that the fish was stored incorrectly, storage rules were violated. Such a product should not be taken.
6. Scales. The skin of a fresh sea wolf glistens, is smooth to the touch, and the scales are tight to it.

Important! Keep fish meat in the refrigerator for no more than one day. During this time, her taste is not spoiled. If the fish is frozen in the freezer, then no more than 2 months.

The catfish have virtually no bones, so it is easy to cut and clean.

Storage
Store catfish meat in the refrigerator for no more than one day. It is better to cook the fish right away so that it does not have time to lose its taste. If it was bought frozen, then it can be sent to the freezer and used as needed.

Fillet of the "sea wolf" is very useful, therefore, if stored properly, it will not lose its "miraculous" properties. Reasonable consumption of catfish will positively affect human health, saturating the body with the necessary valuable and nutritious elements.

How to cook catfish tasty: recipes

The meat of the seabass is quite fat and slightly friable. Therefore, so that it does not fall apart, you should follow a few practical tips:

1. Pieces of fish meat should be large.
2. It is advisable to soak it in salt water with lemon so that the fibers can strengthen, and the meat does not fall apart when frying.
3. It is advisable to first fry the pieces over high heat, and then simmer slowly, so that all useful elements remain in the fish.
4. Do not use a large number of seasonings, enough pepper and salt.

In the oven

For cooking, we need:

• catfish steak - several large pieces;
• lemon - 1 pc.;
• salt, pepper - to taste.

Cooking:

1. We wash the pieces of fish, but do not clean the skin so that the meat does not fall apart.
2. We make small cuts on the steak.
3. Salt, pepper, sprinkle with lemon juice.
4. Wrap prepared pieces in foil and send to the oven for half an hour. Cooking is not worth it.
5. The temperature of fish cooking is 180 degrees.

Enjoy aromatic meat and be healthy!

In the pan

Use a cast iron skillet to cook fish. We will need:

• fillet of “sea wolf” - several large pieces;
• vegetable oil - to lubricate the pan;
• flour - for boning fish;
• salt, pepper - at the discretion of the hostess.

Cooking:

1. Lubricate the bottom of the pan with oil. You need to be more economical with oil. To fry the "sea wolf" it will be enough to drip a few drops.
2. Mix the flour with salt and roll pieces of fish in it. We lay them out in a frying pan and put on gas.
3. First, cook over high heat and fry the slices on both sides, then reduce the gas, cover the fish with a lid and bring it to readiness. Cooking time - 15 minutes. Pre-heat the oil is not worth it, otherwise the fish will burn.

In a pan in batter
We will need:

• catfish meat - ½ kg;
• salt, pepper - to taste;
• vegetable oil - for frying;
• lemon - ½ pcs.

To make batter:

• egg - 1 pc.;
• flour - a couple of tablespoons;
• water - half a glass;
• vodka - 50 g.

Cooking:

1. We clean fish pieces from skin, fins and bones. In this recipe, catfish pieces should be small. It will be better if the fish is cut into small pieces.
2. Put the fillets in a separate bowl, pepper and salt.
3. Sprinkle the meat with lemon juice and leave it in this state for about 20 minutes, so that the fish can absorb spices and lemon juice.
4. We prepare the batter: we separate the yolk from the egg, mix it with vodka and water. Add a spoonful of vegetable oil, salt and mix thoroughly (whisk with a whisk or a fork).
5. Beat the remaining protein and gently add to the batter. Mix.
6. Pieces of fish are dipped in batter and sent to be fried in a preheated pan with oil.
7. Fry the slices on both sides, then put it on a paper towel.
8. Let the oil and fat drain, serve.

In a slow cooker

To cook meat in a slow cooker, we need such products:

• catfish fillet - several large pieces;
• rice - half a glass (for cooking it is better to take red rice);
• onion - 1 medium onion;
• carrots - 1 pc. medium size;
• rosemary - 1 sprig;
• vegetable broth - 1 cup;
• salt, pepper, spices - to taste.

Cooking:

1. We clean the meat completely. We get rid of bones, skin and fins.
2. We cut onions in half rings and put them on the bottom of the multicooker.
3. Chop the carrots into strips and put them on the onion.
4. From top to bottom we send a rosemary branch. You can not use it. This is at the discretion of the hostess.
5. We wash the rice and pour on top of the vegetables.
6. We prepare the vegetable broth and fill them with vegetables with rice, so that they are completely covered with liquid.
7. We spread the fish pieces on top.
8. Salt, pepper, add spices to taste.
9. We close the lid, set the quenching mode to 40 minutes. The pilaf mode is also suitable.

On the grill

For cooking, we need:

• fish meat - 1 kg;
• onions - 250 g;
• mayonnaise - 300 g;
• vinegar (it is better to take apple) - 2 tablespoons;
• sugar - 1 teaspoon;
• mustard, dried garlic, salt, pepper - to taste.

Cooking:

1. Cut the onion rings.
2. We clean the catfish from the skin, bones and fins.
3. We lay the fish meat in a separate bowl and lay onion circles between them. Pieces of fish should be large.
4. Prepare the marinade: mix mayonnaise with vinegar, add sugar and spices.Salt the sauce and mix everything thoroughly.
5. Pour the finished marinade with fish and onions. You can not mix pieces. The meat of the fish is very tender, so do not touch it.
6. We send the fish for 2 hours in the refrigerator.
7. We get the meat, string it on skewers.
8. We kindle the barbecue and fry the fish for about 20 minutes, constantly turning the skewers.
9. Catfish kebabs can be served with fried or baked potatoes.

Catfish ear

For cooking, we need:

• potatoes - 4 pcs. medium size;
• catfish meat - 5–6 large pieces;
• carrots - 1 pc. medium size;
• barley - 1 tablespoon;
• bay leaf - 1 leaf;
• salt, pepper - to taste;
• greens - at the discretion of the hostess.

Cooking:

1. We put water on the fire and bring to a boil, salt, pepper.
2. Pieces of catfish dipped in boiling water and cook for half an hour.
3. While the fish is cooking, cut potatoes and carrots into cubes or straws.
4. We take the fish out of the broth and set it aside in a separate bowl. We clean meat from skin, bones, fins.
5. Filter the broth and put it on the fire again.
6. Add pearl barley to the broth and cook for 10 minutes.
7. We send the remaining vegetables into boiling water and continue cooking for another 15 minutes.
8. Greens chopped.
9. Before serving, add fish fillet and greens to the broth.

Interesting Facts

1. Catfish live for almost 20 years.
2. The fish have powerful jaws, which are able to bite the stalk from a shovel without much effort.
3. The catfish tears from its bottom with fangs.
4. The fish got its name because of the teeth. Her fangs protrude in front and resemble a cleft palate. Therefore, its second name is “sea wolf”.

Catfish photo