A new study out of Japan suggests that women who consume small fish whole, including the head and bones, may have a lower risk of dying from cancer and other causes. The study, led by Dr. Chinatsu Kasahara of Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, focused on the specific health outcomes of consuming small fish, such as whitebait, Atlantic capelin, Japanese smelt, and small dried sardines. The study included 80,802 participants between the ages of 35 and 69, who were divided into four groups based on their small fish consumption frequency.
Over a nine-year follow-up period, 2,482 participants died, including 1,495 from cancer. The study found that women who consumed small fish at least one to three times a month were less likely to die from cancer and other causes compared to women who rarely consumed small fish. The researchers suggested that small fish can be a healthy component of a diet due to their micronutrient content, including calcium, vitamins, and fatty acids when consumed with bones and organs.
The researchers attributed the potential health benefits of consuming small fish to the anti-tumor effects of vitamins A and D, as well as the presence of omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients have been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and support brain function. While similar benefits were observed in men, the trend was not statistically significant, which the researchers attributed to the limited number of male participants and other factors not measured, such as portion size of small fish.
The study authors acknowledged limitations of their research, including the lack of information on changes in participants’ eating habits and lifestyle factors during the follow-up period, potential inaccuracies in reporting small fish consumption, and the limited study area in Japan. Despite these limitations, Dr. Kasahara expressed enthusiasm about the results, emphasizing the importance of nutrient-dense foods like small fish in people’s diets. She highlighted the ease of consuming small fish whole, including the head, bones, and organs, making them a practical and beneficial addition to a healthy diet.
Overall, the study suggests that incorporating small fish into one’s diet, consumed whole including the head and bones, may have potential health benefits for women in terms of reducing the risk of cancer and other causes of mortality. While further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore potential benefits for men, the study underscores the importance of considering nutrient-dense foods like small fish as part of a balanced and healthy diet to support overall wellness and longevity.
