Five hidden gems on a fish you probably didn't know about.

The nutritional value of fish is very high, and there are also many nutrients that you would never expect, even nutrients that you might discard. So, today we will tell you what these easily overlooked nutrients are. Let's take a look together.

1. Fish Scales

Fish scales are the exoskeleton of fish, rich in nutrients such as collagen, calcium, phosphorus, lecithin, and also contain chitosan, a dietary fiber. Because collagen converts to soluble gelatin at temperatures of 70°C to 90°C, fish scales also contain various unsaturated fatty acids, which can reduce cholesterol buildup on blood vessel walls, helping to prevent arteriosclerosis, hypertension, and heart disease. A common way to eat them is to make fish scale jelly. In some regions, fish scales can also be used for decoration.

Fish Scale Jelly

2. Fish Liver

The fish liver is where the body stores many nutrients, such as vitamins A and D, and iron. However, its cholesterol and purine content is also very high, making it unsuitable for patients with gout. The fish liver is connected to the fish gallbladder, so be careful not to break it when cleaning. The liver has a detoxification function and is particularly prone to accumulating toxins. Before consumption, you should ensure the fish has not been polluted by the environment.

3. Fish Maw

In traditional Chinese medicine theory, the "fish maw" is considered to have nourishing effects; it is an excellent product for women's beauty, skin care, and health preservation. Medical research has found that the "fish maw" contains a large amount of vitamins and various trace elements, with a vitamin A content exceeding that of other fish products, which is very beneficial for beauty and calcium supplementation. The fish maw is also rich in collagen and Omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids, which may be beneficial for blood lipid control.

Braised Fish Maw

4. Fish Intestines

Fish intestines are low in fat, and their protein content is comparable to that of fish meat. However, only the intestines of larger fish are edible, and you must clean out the internal contents before eating. Because the food a fish eats is digested through its intestines, it is one of the organs in the fish's body that is more heavily contaminated. If you are not confident about the fish's farming environment, it is not recommended to eat them.

5. Fish Bones

Fish bones, which we commonly call fish bones, are rich in trace elements such as calcium. After softening treatment, their nutrients are more easily absorbed by the human body. Very small fish with bones should be chewed vigorously; once in the stomach, stomach acid will soften the bones, promoting the dissolution of nutrients like calcium and phosphorus. For larger fish bones, you should suck out the marrow, which is the white line in the fish's spine. Additionally, fish bones can be simmered in soup with vinegar over low heat for 2-4 hours. It should be noted that boiling fish bones in plain water makes it difficult for them to soften. Adding more vinegar and simmering can use the effect of acetic acid to promote the softening of the fish bones.

Fish Bone and Vegetable Soup