There is no denying the important part our diets play in our overall health and wellbeing. By understanding the nutrients of certain foods, you can help your body and mind stay healthy by utilising a food for medicine philosophy in your diet. Maintaining a good diet requires time and effort, but it is certainly worth it for having a healthier, more energetic body.
Traditional Chinese medicine remains one of the most comprehensive alternative medical systems in the world, having honed its knowledge for more than 5000 years. In this practice, it is believed that different foods can be used to treat different ailments. In today’s world where fast food and processed meals are largely consumed, it is important to understand the nutritional value of different foods and how they can be used as a type of medicine through diet. Through ancient practices and scientific research, we know far more about the many health benefits of marine products when incorporated into a healthy diet.
Fish Maw
Fish maw is a great source of rich proteins and nutrients such as phosphor, collagen and calcium. Eating Fish Maw is known to be effective in healing the lungs and kidneys, and has been used for centuries as an aid for a range of other ailments. In Eastern culture they believe consuming Fish Maw nourishes your body’s ‘yin’, replenishes kidneys and boosts stamina. It does this through its high levels of protein, typically 80% of dried Fish Maw nutrients, which invigorates blood circulation and collagen, which helps preserve skin elasticity and maintain a brighter complexion. Furthermore, Fish maw does not contain cholesterol. It is therefore a very valuable health enhancing ingredient suitable for long time consumption by all ages as a form of food for medicine.
Contrary to initial Western belief, Fish Maw does not have a particularly fishy taste. In fact, it takes on the flavours it is cooked in, such as the rich brothy soups served traditionally at weddings and important banquets in China. To get the best health benefits, it is important to ensure you are eating high quality Fish Maw, such as the New Zealand Coastal Seafoods sustainably sourced dried Ling Maw. You can find it dried or pre-cooked for purchase here.
Greenshell Mussels
Greenshell mussels (or Green-lipped), are an ancient delicacy in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Traditionally cooked in an umu (earth oven), or simply enjoyed fresh from the ocean, they have been an important part of the diet of Maori and indigenous peoples of Aotearoa for hundreds of years for their protein-rich nutrients.
These superfood wonders were initially studied in the 1970s as scientists began searching for cancer fighting nutrients in food. Although greenshell mussels weren’t found to be particularly helpful in battling this particular disease, they did find some very interesting nutritional health benefits. Far stronger than any other shellfish or even any other type of mussel, greenshell mussels proved to have significant anti-inflammatory properties. This finding led to further research, concluding the ability for greenshell mussels to potentially reduce sensations of pain, increase movement and improve quality of life in sufferers of osteoarthritis.
Amazingly, the benefits don’t stop there. Their powerful anti-inflammatory properties and nutrients have also shown to improve gut health, by feeding the ‘friendly’ bacteria found in our digestive system. Greenshell mussels also work synergistically with NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, and can decrease their side-effects. With over 50 years of research into the nutritional value of greenshell mussels, there is no denying the great benefits consuming them have on our health and wellbeing.
Marine Oil
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is recommended we eat 1–2 portions of fish per week for a healthy intake of Omega-3. This is because the Omega-3 fatty acids in fish provide many health benefits, including protection against a number of diseases. However, if you struggle to keep your intake of fish at this level, high quality marine oil is a great solution for getting those health benefits in a more convenient way. Omega-3 fatty acids are present throughout the body, particularly in the brain and retina (eyes), however they must be consumed through diet as they cannot be produced in the body alone.
Marine oil is widely known to be good for your health, most commonly for its ability to help lower cholesterol, blood pressure and benefit brain function. However recent studies are now showing impressive results for Omega-3 having positive effects on mental health as well through increasing brain function.
Your brain is made up of 60% fat, with a large portion of that being Omega-3 fatty acids, proving just what a crucial role they play in the body. The regular intake of marine oil is largely regarded as a beneficial health supplement with ongoing research finding new benefits throughout the body. Find our high quality, sustainably sourced New Zealand marine oil for personal or commercial purchase here.
Collagen Supplements
Collagen is the largest and most abundant protein in the body. Found in bones, cartilage, tendons, skin, and connective tissues, collagen provides strength and elasticity. It’s responsible for keeping skin plump, bones strong, and tendons healthy. Through our nose to tail philosophy of using every part of the fish, we decided to work on producing a high quality, sustainably sourced collagen powder. Collagen consumption through food has not yet been proven to have the same benefits within the body as supplements do. The best collagen supplements are hydrolysed, meaning they can be broken down and absorbed far easier in the body. Incorporating a high quality collagen supplement in your diet has many scientifically backed benefits, including relieving joint pain, improving heart health, preventing bone loss and increasing muscle mass.
Aside from the inner health benefits, collagen supplements are also widely known for their beauty benefits. Collagen is a major component of your skin, and as you age your body produces less of it, resulting in the signs of ageing in skin such as wrinkles. Studies show that taking 3–10 grams of collagen per day for an average of 69 days led to improvements in skin elasticity and hydration. Here at New Zealand Coastal Seafoods we are dedicated to producing the highest quality marine products in an environmentally sustainable way, which is why we believe our hydrolysed collagen powder is the best in the world.
Through scientific research, we are in the final stages of developing a 100% collagen hydrolised supplement, sustainably sourced from New Zealand’s pristine waters.