Why scientists say it's GOOD to have fish and chips! Extra portion of cod each ... trends now

View
comments

Be it catch of the day or from the chip shop, it's traditional to tuck into fish on Good Friday.

Now research suggests that extending the pastime to every week would massively boost the nation's health and economy.

If everyone ate one more portion of fish a week than at current levels, the NHS could save up to £600million every year, the study estimates.

Meanwhile, businesses could save up to £360million annually in reduced sick leave, the analysis conducted by the University of East Anglia found.

The simple switch to a healthier option would prevent thousands of cancer and type 2 diabetes cases, they suggest.

A lean source of protein, diets rich in seafood are recommended to help maintain a healthy weight, lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

NHS guidelines recommend people eat at least two portions of fish a week, including one of oily fish, such as salmon or tuna.

But current estimates suggest people in England are typically only eating half the recommended levels.

If increased to two, scientists estimate it could prevent up to 4,900 cases of type 2 diabetes and 18,000 cancer cases a year, including almost 9,000 bowel cancers.

People could reduce their chances of type 2 diabetes by 15 per cent and bowel cancer by up to 42 per cent, according to the health and economic modelling.

The findings revealed that the largest benefits would accrue in the North-East where seafood consumption is at its lowest compared to the rest of England.

These benefits would be seen in the next decade if implemented today, according to the findings of the research commissioned by Seafish, a public body supporting the UK seafood sector.

Younger groups were typically found to be consuming less seafood per week on average compared to the over 55s, with more than a fifth (22

read more from dailymail.....