7 Health Benefits of Catfish

By. Rani - 04 Aug 2025

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lautnusantara.com Catfish is a popular freshwater fish in Indonesia. Besides being affordable and easy to find, it has many health benefits. Below is a detailed explanation of the benefits of catfish.

Catfish Nutritional Content

Catfish is a freshwater fish from the class Actinopterygii, commonly found in South America, Eurasia, and Southeast Asia (including Indonesia). It is a staple food in Indonesia, usually prepared by frying or grilling. Despite its affordable price, catfish is rich in nutrients, including:

1. Mineral Content:

  • Zinc: 0.87 mg

  • Selenium: 20.45 mcg

  • Potassium: 599.17 mcg

  • Phosphorus: 434.72 mcg

  • Magnesium: 40 mg

  • Copper: 0.06 mg

  • Iron: 0.5 mg

  • Manganese: 0.04 mg

  • Calcium: 15.7 mg

2. Vitamin Content:

  • Vitamin A: 21.45 mcg RAE

  • Vitamin B1: 0.32 mg

  • Vitamin B2: 0.10 mg

  • Vitamin B3: 3.41 mg

  • Vitamin B5: 1.3 mg

  • Vitamin B6: 0.15 mg

  • Vitamin B12: 4.15 mcg

  • Vitamin C: 1.14 mg

3. Other Nutritional Content:

  • Calories: 150 Kcal

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 600 mg

  • Omega-6 Fatty Acids: 330 mg

  • Protein: 26.41 g

Health Benefits of Catfish

Here are some of the health benefits of catfish you should know about:

1. Helps Maintain Body Weight

Catfish is a low-calorie fish. A single fillet (143g) contains only about 150 Kcal and 4.08g of fat. It also contains carbohydrates that help you feel full longer, which aids in weight management. However, the cooking method is important. It is best not to deep-fry catfish as this can significantly increase its fat and calorie content. To avoid weight gain, consider steaming, boiling, making soup, or grilling it instead.

2. Boosts Body Immunity

Catfish can boost your immune system due to its content of essential fatty acids, specifically omega-3 fatty acids, which include eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Both play a vital role in maintaining and enhancing the immune system, helping your body resist diseases.

3. Supports Organ Health

Another benefit of the omega-3 fatty acids in catfish is their ability to support the health of various organs, including the brain, heart, and eyes. The omega-3 content makes catfish beneficial for pregnant women, as it can aid in the development of the fetal brain. Research has also shown that omega-3 is effective at lowering "bad" LDL cholesterol and raising "good" HDL cholesterol, which is important for heart function. Furthermore, DHA, a component of omega-3, is a building block of the retina, making it essential for maintaining good vision.

4. Fights Inflammation

Through its omega-3 fatty acid content, catfish can also help combat inflammation. Studies show that omega-3 can inhibit the production of molecules that trigger inflammation, such as eicosanoids and cytokines.

5. Optimizes Nervous System Function

Catfish is an excellent source of Vitamin B12, which is crucial for optimizing nervous system function. Eating catfish can also help maintain the proper function of blood cells.

6. Aids in Hormone and Enzyme Production

The protein in catfish can help the body produce hormones and enzymes, two components that play a critical role in supporting bodily functions. If the body can't produce these properly, its functions can become compromised, potentially leading to illness.

7. Helps Form and Maintain Bones

Don't overlook the mineral content in catfish, such as phosphorus and calcium. These minerals make it an excellent food for strong and healthy bones and teeth. A deficiency in either can lead to bone problems.

These are some of the health benefits of catfish. Since scientific evidence supporting these claims is still limited, it's best not to rely solely on catfish for your health. Balance your diet with other nutritious foods and supplements. Remember to prepare catfish by boiling, steaming, or grilling to preserve its nutritional value.

 

 

 

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