All sorts of fish, including Cod, can be helpful to eat for bodybuilding. When deciding which fish to eat, there are two types: oily and white fish.
Cod is a white fish which means it will have less fat and oils than oily fish. The benefits of eating Cod are that it’s low in fat, high in protein, and has very few calories compared to its oily fish counterparts. All these qualities make it a good choice for bodybuilding. It is also cheap to buy compared with most other fish.
Cod can be served in many different ways including raw, boiled, or fried. Generally, bodybuilders who are looking to cut weight will be drawn towards eating this fish baked, without added oils.
What is Cod?
The name “cod” comes from the Old English word for “both”. Cod are saltwater fish and as such, they live in all oceans around the world. They can grow to be quite large and weigh up to 100 kilograms (220 pounds). As their Latin name implies, these fish have two dorsal fins. These fins can help them swim faster than other species of fish. Another interesting fact about this type of fish is that they do not have any scales on their skin!
Macronutrients
Macronutrients are the nutrients that your body burns to give you energy and repair muscles after a workout.
In a 3oz serving of Codfish, there is 15g of protein and less than 1g of fat according to the USDA.
This makes cod a great option for those looking to switch from the boring old chicken breast.
When doing a bodybuilding diet, protein is the most important macronutrient to take note of. Generally, bodybuilders will aim to eat 1-1.5g of protein per lb of bodyweight.
Micronutrients
Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals in food that your body uses to perform optimally. They are essential in every diet to ensure that you remain healthy.
When eating a 3oz serving of cod, you can expect to consume 15% of your daily value for Selenium and 38% of the daily value for Vitamin B12.
These two micronutrients are great for maintaining energy levels and promoting testosterone production by way of the pituitary gland. Selenium will also keep your immune system functioning well, while B12 will help you produce red blood cells and DNA.
Cod is also rich in Vitamin B6, which helps the body turn food into energy. B6 also assists with red blood cell production, sleep, appetite, and mood.
This makes Cod an attractive option for those looking to supplement their diet with additional energy.
Cod Liver Oil
Many products are created from fish but one of the most useful is cod liver oil which has been known to prevent heart disease and osteoporosis. It also contains Vitamins A and D.
Vitamin A keeps your vision, skin, bones, and reproduction system all in tip-top shape. It can be found in many fruits and veggies but is most commonly associated with carrots, one of the highest vitamin A-dense foods.
Vitamin D is a nutrient that cannot be produced by the body. It must be gathered from either the sun or our diets. This nutrient regulates the amount of calcium and phosphate in our system thus protecting our bones from serious diseases. It can be found in eggs, fortified milk, and of course fish!
Cod liver oil can also help keep the mind sharp because of the Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA). They are also studied to lower cholesterol, improve eyesight, reduce the risk of heart disease, and help prevent diabetes
A Cod liver oil supplement may be especially useful for those that don’t eat many veggies or are not exposed to sunlight often. It can come in pill form or from a jar with lemon flavor added.
Dangers
As with most fish, mercury consumption must be considered. Cod has some of the lowest levels when compared to other fish. You will likely be safe eating this fish at a moderate level.
Bottom Line
Cod is a very healthy fish that can be enjoyed by most people. If you are looking to eat meats that are low in fat, then Cod may be the perfect option for you. Eating cod will help give your body all the protein it needs while also providing some micronutrients and macronutrients. When considering mercury levels in this fish, remember that it has some of the lowest levels when compared to other types of saltwater fish.