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Is Eating Smoked Fish Healthy or Harmful?

Smoked fish is prepared by cooking the meat in a smoker at a low temperature, which gives the fish a smoky flavor without drying it out. Although smoked fish is high in vitamins and nutrients, there is the risk of catching a food-borne illness due to undercooking.

  1. Protein

    • Smoked fish, especially salmon, is high in protein. This nutrient builds muscle, repairs tissue and provides nutrients for healthy hair and nails. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, you should consume 0.8 grams of protein for every kilogram of body weight per day.

    Omega-3 Fatty Acids

    • Smoked fish has omega-3 fatty acids, which help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease, according to the American Heart Association.

    Vitamins

    • Smoked fish contains vitamins A, B, D as well as magnesium and selenium. These vitamins are important for maintaining a healthy immune system.

    Food-borne Illness

    • Eating undercooked fish increases your chances of developing a food-borne illness, such as salmonella food poisoning. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, flu-like reactions and loss of appetite.

    Sodium

    • Smoking your fish raises the level of sodium in the meat, which can be harmful if you suffer from or are prone to high blood pressure or heart disease. Talk to your doctor about limiting your smoked-fish consumption.

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