          
          
                      The Nutritional Value of Fish
          
               Salt-water fish are a superior source of nutrients, 
          which are vital to growth and good health.  Fish yield high 
          amounts of proteins, vitamins, minerals and polyunsaturated 
          fats.
          
               Protein is basic to the diet.  It can be broken down 
          into amino acids which are essential for the growth and 
          repair of body tissue.  Whereas some proteins are 
          incomplete and must be supplemented with other protein 
          foods, fish proteins are complete.  containing all the 
          amino acids required by the body.  A four-ounce serving can 
          contain from thirty to fifty percent of the body's daily 
          requirement of protein.
          
               Fish are also a valuable source of vitamins, which are 
          necessary for the body's functions.  Fish liver oil is an 
          exceptional source of vitamins A and D.  Vitamin A is 
          necessary for healthy skin and development of bones.  
          Vitamin D plays an important part in the body's use of 
          calcium, a mineral vital for sound teeth and bones.  Fat 
          fish in particular are a prime source of vitamin D. All 
          fish contain several of the B complex vitamins necessary 
          for many of the body's processes, especially digestion and 
          the nervous system.  Lack of the proper amount of vitamins 
          can lead to vitamin deficiency diseases.
          
               Just as fish is a source of proteins and vitamins, it 
          is a top source of minerals too.  The body depends on 
          minerals for such diverse functions as growth and repair, 
          the maintenance of digestive juices, and the composition of 
          fluids in and around cells.  Some of the minerals supplied 
          by salt-water fish are phosphorous, copper, iron, calcium 
          and iodine.  Phosphorous and calcium aid in the development 
          of bones and teeth.  Iron and copper are vital to the 
          hemoglobin content in blood, helping to prevent nutritional 
          anemia.  Iodine is necessary for the proper functioning of 
          the thyroid gland.
          
               In addition to proteins, vitamins, and minerals, fish 
          oils contain polyunsaturated fats.  These are essential for 
          healthy skin, and the normal operation of the liver and 
          kidneys.  They also can reduce the cholesterol level in 
          blood, decreasing the chances of heart disease.
          
