Snakehead fish is a delicious food and has a very complete nutritional content. The benefits of snakehead fish for health one of which is the fetus.
The nutrients contained in snakehead fish such as high protein, omega 3 fatty acids, iron and folic acid, calcium, B vitamins, antioxidants are very good for optimal growth and development of the fetus.
1. Fetal Brain Development
Providing proper nutrition is very important for the formation of vital organs including the brain. one of the benefits of consuming snakehead fish for babies is to increase fetal brain development.
- Rich in omega 3 fatty acids, snakehead fish is a source of omega 3 fatty acids, especially DHA and EPA. These two components are very important in brain structure and have a role in optimal brain development and function while supporting the central nervous system.
- Supporting the growth of brain cells and synapses, these connections between nerve cells are the basis of brain function. As we already know that snakehead fish has a very high protein content and quality for the growth and differentiation of fetal brain cells. Protein has a role in building and maintaining complex and important neural networks.
- Contains iron and iodine, is to form hemoglobin while the protein in red blood cells has a function to transport oxygen from the lungs including to the brain. Iodine itself has a function for cognitive development and the nervous system of the fetus.
- High-quality protein source, by consuming snakehead fish which is well known for its high protein quality, it can support optimal fetal brain development.
- Improves intelligence and cognitive abilities, DHA in snakehead fish helps to improve learning and memory processes in healthy brain development.
- Positive influence on mood and emotional well-being, hormonal changes have an impact on the emotional well-being of pregnant women. Omega 3 fatty acids in snakehead fish can reduce the risk of depression and mood disorders during pregnancy which in turn provides a better environment for fetal brain development.
2. Prevents Pregnancy Complications
The high nutrients quality proteins, minerals, vitamins and healthy fats (omega-3) in snakehead fish for pregnant women in health and also the development of the fetus in the womb.
- A source of omega 3 fatty acids, omega 3 fatty acids are essential for healthy fetal brain and vision development. DHA in omega 3 fatty acids reduces the risk of preeclampsia (high blood pressure and organ damage) in pregnant women.
- Improves heart health, during pregnancy the workload of the heart is greatly increased in supplying blood as well as nutrients to the fetus. The presence of omega-3 fatty acids in snakehead fish can improve blood circulation and also reduce the risk of heart problems in pregnant women.
- Iron and folic acid, the role of iron is to prevent anemia in pregnant women which has an impact on fatigue, weakness and also premature birth. While folic acid has a function to prevent neural tube defects in the fetus.
- Strengthens the immune system, pregnant women are prone to weakening immunity. In this condition it is highly recommended to consume snakehead fish with the content of selenium, vitamins and minerals that can boost the immune system while protecting cells from oxidative damage.
- Improve fetal growth and development, complete nutrients in snakehead fish such as calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D can build strong bones while the protein as well as omega 3 supports the development of a healthy brain and nervous system.
3. Controlling Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
A very decisive period in a woman’s life is pregnancy. In this period, the health of the mother and the baby she is carrying becomes a top priority. During pregnancy, high blood pressure is a major risk that must be faced. Consuming snakehead fish regularly can control blood pressure during pregnancy with other benefits.
- Supporting kidney function, the workload of the kidneys increases during pregnancy. Consuming snakehead fish with omega 3 fatty acids can reduce the risk of preeclampsia and support healthy kidney function.
- Improves placental blood flow, the protein found in snakehead fish can maintain good blood flow to the placenta in ensuring the supply of nutrients and oxygen for fetal development.
- Reduces inflammation, by consuming omega 3 fatty acids found in snakehead fish can reduce inflammation and the risk of preeclampsia.
4. Fetal Growth and Development
Proper nutrition is the key to healthy and optimal growth. Choosing food is very important for fetal growth and development. One of them is consuming snakehead fish for MPASI.
- A source of high-quality protein, protein is essential to form body cells including the brain, muscles and nervous system. Protein for pregnant women can increase fetal weight and also ensure proper organ and tissue formation.
- Rich in omega 3 fatty acids, omega 3 is a polyunsaturated fat that plays a role in the development of the brain and eyes of the fetus. DHA forms the structure of the brain and nervous system. EPA supports the development of a healthy cardiovascular system. Omega 3 consumed by pregnant women can improve cognition and visual development of the baby.
- Iron content, has a role to produce more red blood cells and prevent anemia in pregnant women. The presence of healthy red blood cells can distribute enough oxygen to the fetus for optimal growth.
- Calcium for the formation of bones and teeth, sufficient calcium is very important during pregnancy because the fetus will actively build a skeletal system. As for the pregnant mother herself, it can prevent bone decalcification because the baby will take calcium from the mother’s body.
- The content of vitamin B complex, consisting of vitamin B6 which plays a role in forming red blood cells and maintaining healthy cell function, B12 to support the formation of nerve cells and DNA while folic acid plays a role in the development of the fetal nervous system and prevents fetal neural tube defects.
- Safe fish choice during pregnancy, one of the advantages of consuming snakehead fish is the low mercury content compared to other large fish. Mercury is very dangerous for bilateral fetal accumulation in the body of pregnant women.
5. Boosting the Immune System
The immune system is the body’s natural resistance to infection and disease. Having a strong immune system is the same as maintaining overall health. Consuming nutritious foods such as snakehead fish is one way to boost the immune system.
The nutritional content of snakehead fish includes,
- Protein: An important component of the immune system that has a role in producing antibodies and other immune cells to fight infection.
- Omega 3: A natural anti-inflammatory compound that reduces inflammation and strengthens the body’s immune response to infection.
- Vitamin D : Works to regulate the immune system and helps in absorbing calcium more efficiently.
- B vitamins: Have a role in producing red blood cells and contribute to the normal functioning of the immune system.
- Selenium and Zinc : Minerals that have antioxidant effects and play a role in maintaining healthy immune cells as well as producing antibodies.
- Supports the immune system, due to the anti-inflammatory effect of omega 3 which works to reduce inflammation in the body. The presence of proteins and vitamins that function to produce immune cells. And also by consuming snakehead fish can stimulate the production of antibodies as the main weapon against disease-causing pathogens.
- Antioxidant effects, useful in fighting free radicals that cause cell damage and affect the immune system.