Cod liver is very popular all over the world. By popularity, it can even be put in first place among all canned fish. In addition, the product has a relatively low cost, and is also useful and pleasant to the taste.
Cod fish lives in the depths of the Atlantic. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that the fish meat itself is lean, and the liver has a high calorie content.
| Calories per 100 g, (kcal): | 474 |
| Protein in 100 g, (g): | 6.0 |
| Fats in 100 g, (g): | 50.0 |
| Carbohydrates in 100 g, (g): | 0.0 |
| Glycemic index: | 0 |
What is cod liver product
The highest grade of canned food is liver pieces. The first grade may be a pasty mixture. This product is not the best, as it already contains thickeners, dyes and flavor enhancers.
Composition and caloric content of cod liver
Cod liver contains as much as 65.7% fat. For this reason, the calorie content of the product itself is very high – 613 kcal. There are very few carbohydrates in the liver – 1.2%, slightly more proteins – 4.2%.
The main benefit that can be derived from fish liver is omega-3 unsaturated acids. In addition, the product contains vitamin D, K and A. There is a lot of sodium, as much as 720 mg, there is calcium, cobalt, phosphorus.
Useful properties of cod liver, vitamins and minerals
Cod liver is useful for improving visual acuity due to the presence of vitamin A. Fats will also help with this.
The product is an anti – rachitis agent, as it contains a full dose of vitamin D, which will help to cope with this problem even in adulthood. Fish oil also normalizes all metabolic processes, improves the functioning of the endocrine system. Beneficial effect on the musculoskeletal system. However, with an enlarged thyroid gland, it is not recommended to get too carried away with these canned food.
Cod liver improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system. This is due to the presence of B vitamins, iron and calcium.
The cholesterol contained in the product is not so harmful. In the process of preparing the liver for consumption, it passes into its acceptable form. Therefore, this cholesterol does not have any negative effect on the human body.
Benefits of cod liver for women
Thanks to the fats contained in the liver, it is quickly absorbed and prevents the feeling of hunger from appearing. If you follow the permissible dosage, then you do not need to worry that a woman will gain excess weight.
For women, cod liver is also useful as a means to get rid of cellulite and improve metabolism in the body.
Benefits of cod liver for men
For men, the benefit of the liver is that it allows you to renew energy as quickly as possible. After all, it is men who are busy, in most cases, with hard physical labor. The same properties of the product will be useful for athletes.
The liver will also help as a means to strengthen bone mass. This is due to the presence of calcium in the product.
The liver also helps to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and is involved in the process of testosterone synthesis.
The use of cod liver during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Before and after childbirth, the use of cod liver is allowed. It will help strengthen the immune system, is an effective remedy for the development of thrombosis. Prevents the development of anemia and stimulates the proper development of the baby’s skeleton in the womb. These same properties are useful for the mother herself. It is no secret that often during pregnancy there are problems with bone mass.
During lactation, cod liver will saturate breast milk with omega-3 acid, which is very beneficial for the baby’s body.
Can children eat cod liver?
Definitely cod liver is extremely useful for the child’s body. However, the product can be introduced into the diet no earlier than 2.5 years. At this age, the baby’s body is already able to cope with such “heavy” food, although it is not recommended to start complementary foods with the product in its pure form.
In some cases, the pediatrician may recommend the use of the liver from the age of 1, when there are certain problems with the bones.
Is cod liver good for weight loss
Despite the high calorie content, the liver can be included in the diet, but in limited quantities. This product is quickly absorbed and does not give a feeling of hunger for a long time, which is very important during weight loss. And unsaturated acids will help reduce the appearance of cellulite.
cod liver for diabetes
The product is acceptable to use in the presence of diabetes. There is almost no sugar in the liver, so it does not cause a sharp jump in glucose.
The main thing is to always remember that these canned foods are very high in calories, so you should not get carried away with them.
Canned cod liver. Benefit and harm to the body
The most useful canned cod liver, which has not undergone a preliminary freezing procedure. After it has been frozen and thawed, about 50% of all useful substances are lost.
Not the most useful canned food with liver and vegetable oil. The calorie content of such a product increases by 1.5 times. Therefore, it is best to drain the oil after opening.
It is not worth consuming the product in large quantities. This is due not only to high calorie content, but also to the fact that canned food contains from 30 to 180% of the nutrients that the body needs every day. But, after all, during the day a person eats not only one can of canned food. Therefore, useful substances also come from other products. An excess of vitamins and useful elements does not have the best effect on the human body.
How to take cod liver for medicinal purposes
Traditional medicine recommends using canned food in the presence of wounds that cannot be healed. The liver reduces inflammation and relieves pain.
The liver will be very useful if necessary to increase the elasticity of the joints and blood vessels.
The use of cod liver in cosmetology
Oddly enough, but cod liver is widely used in home cosmetology. It allows you to smooth wrinkles, eliminate dryness and gives the face a fresh look. The mask will require 2 tablespoons of the product, which are mixed with sea buckthorn oil (1 teaspoon). The components are thoroughly mixed and the mask is applied to the face for 15 minutes. After washing, it is recommended to wipe the face with olive oil.
How to use cod liver and in what doses
It is recommended to eat no more than 30-40 g per day. Such a dose will not harm the body. To get the effect of the use of the product, it is not necessary to use it in its pure form. Cod liver can be added to salads, make sandwiches with it.
Cod liver harm and contraindications
There are no special contraindications to the use of cod liver. The only thing you should always remember is the high calorie content of the product. Excess fat will adversely affect the figure and will not benefit the body.
A huge amount of vitamins, with their overabundance, can cause hypervitaminosis, that is, you should not overeat.
How to choose and store cod liver
When choosing canned food, it is quite difficult to find cod liver in another form, pay attention to the production method. Ideally, it should not be subjected to the freezing process.
Otherwise, the selection requirements are the same as when choosing other canned food. The bank should not be swollen. It must not be deformed. Be sure to check the expiration date.
There should be no gurgling after shaking in a jar of cod liver.
Canned foods should be stored in the refrigerator. The shelf life is indicated on the packaging, in any case it should not exceed 2 years. In the open form, the liver is also stored in the refrigerator, but not more than a day.
It should always be remembered that the benefits of cod liver oil depend on the way it is prepared for consumption and the quantity. High consumption of the product can cause obesity and hypervitaminosis. A spoiled product can provoke poisoning.