lautnusantara.com Gourami (Osphronemus gouramy) is one of Indonesia’s native freshwater fish species that is widely consumed and highly valued for its nutritional quality. In addition to its distinctive taste, gourami is known as a rich source of protein with relatively low fat compared to other animal protein sources.

When compared with other popular fish species, gourami contains about 19% protein, which is higher than catfish (18.2%), tilapia (16.17%), and common carp (16%). Meanwhile, the fat content in gourami is only around 2.2%, significantly lower than red meat, which may contain up to 10%. This makes gourami an excellent source of animal protein with a balanced fat level.

Its nutrient composition is dominated by protein, vitamins, minerals, and other bioactive compounds that support overall health. Approximately 70% of gourami’s nutritional profile consists of vitamins and essential substances beneficial to the human body.

Protein in Gourami Fish and Its Benefits

1. Supporting Growth in Children

Protein plays a vital role in growth, especially for young children. Toddlers require an adequate supply of protein to ensure optimal physical growth and brain development.

In certain cases, children may dislike milk or suffer from lactose intolerance (inability to digest lactose). In such conditions, protein intake from gourami fish can be a good substitute. A lack of protein during early childhood may result in stunted growth, poor weight gain, and slower cognitive development.

2. Preventing Degenerative Diseases

High-quality protein from gourami also helps in preventing degenerative diseases, such as:

• Coronary heart disease, caused by cholesterol buildup in the arteries,

• Hypertension, often triggered by poor lifestyle habits,

• Cancer, which may develop from impaired protein synthesis, poor diet, or exposure to carcinogenic substances.

The combination of protein, vitamins, and minerals found in gourami helps maintain metabolism, repair body tissues, and provide sufficient energy for daily activities.

3. Preventing Kwashiorkor

Kwashiorkor is a protein deficiency disease that commonly affects children between 1–3 years old. Symptoms include:

• Abnormal growth,

• Thin arms and legs,

• Puffy face,

• Distended stomach.

Protein from gourami fish, which is easily digestible and rich in essential amino acids, can help prevent this condition and support healthy growth.

4. Preventing Rough Skin or Skin Disorders

Healthy skin and hair require adequate protein and vitamin E intake. While many cosmetic products now contain protein and vitamins, their effectiveness will be greater when these nutrients are consumed naturally through diet.

Communities in coastal areas, where fish consumption is high, often show healthier skin despite frequent sun exposure. This is partly attributed to their diet, which is rich in protein and vitamins from fish such as gourami.

5. Repairing Damaged Cells

The human body continuously breaks down old cells, such as red blood cells, which must be replaced by new ones through biochemical synthesis (protein, DNA, and RNA synthesis).

Protein serves as a raw material for this synthesis, thereby playing an essential role in regenerating damaged cells. Insufficient protein intake may disrupt metabolism and hinder blood synthesis, potentially leading to anemia.

Other Nutritional Components of Gourami Fish

In addition to protein and low fat, gourami also contains:

• Phosphorus (169 mg/100 g) and calcium (283 mg/100 g), which are essential for healthy bones and teeth. Unlike synthetic supplements, calcium from natural food sources such as fish is easier for the body to absorb.

• Vitamin A, which supports eye health and prevents visual disorders.

• Vitamin B1, which helps maintain energy metabolism and nerve function.

Gourami in Aquaculture and Cultural Context

Gourami is relatively easy to farm due to its omnivorous feeding behavior. In addition to formulated feed, it can be given plant-based foods such as cassava leaves, papaya leaves, and taro leaves, particularly those with soft textures.

This species is native to Indonesian waters and is known by various local names across the country, such as gurameh, kala, or gurame. Beyond Indonesia, it is also found in several Southeast Asian countries and in China.

The widespread availability of gourami reflects Indonesia’s rich biodiversity, which has gained recognition internationally. Its high nutritional value further enhances the pride of Indonesians in having such an important indigenous species.

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