Fish bladder is a 'precious medicine' for bones and joints
With high levels of collagen, protein and amino acids, this food brings many health benefits to the body from healing wounds, supporting digestion to strengthening the immune system.
The swim bladder is the buoyant part of the fish that helps it maintain its position in the water. Although it is rarely used in meals, it is a very nutritious part of the fish.
In many other Asian countries such as China and Japan, fish maw is a valuable ingredient in cuisine, often used in nutritious soups or stews. Dried fish maw is even considered a high-class item with high economic value.
Fish bladders contain many important nutrients for the body. According to a study published in the journalJournal of Food Biochemistry, fish bladder contains very high collagen content.
In China, fish bladders have become a delicacy and are believed to improve health. Photo: Healthy Nest.
Collagen is an important protein, accounting for 70% of human skin and plays an important role in cell regeneration and recovery, keeping skin soft, healthy and preventing aging. Not only beneficial for the skin, collagen also helps improve the health of hair, nails and joints.
In addition to collagen, fish bladders also contain a large amount of protein, amino acids, and minerals. These components help the body regenerate cells, promote wound healing, and play a role in the production of enzymes necessary for the body.
A report fromFood Science and Technology ResearchIt shows that protein from fish bladder has a special structure, which is more easily absorbed into the body than protein from other foods.
Strengthening bone and joint health
Collagen in fish bladders not only helps maintain skin elasticity and firmness, but also plays an important role in protecting and enhancing the health of the skeletal system.
Many studies have shown that collagen has the ability to reduce inflammation, help relieve arthritis symptoms and maintain joint flexibility. This is especially useful for the elderly or those who often have to do strenuous exercise.
According to research from Harvard University in 2018, collagen from fish bladders has the ability to stimulate the production of synovial fluid in joints, helping joints function more smoothly and reducing the risk of osteoarthritis as we age.
Supports the digestive system and enhances nutrient absorption
Not only rich in collagen, fish bladders also contain many essential amino acids such as glycine, proline and hydroxyproline.
Glycine has been shown in many studies to aid digestion, protect the stomach lining, and enhance nutrient absorption. At the same time, glycine also has the ability to improve cell regeneration in the stomach and intestinal lining, helping to reduce the risk of digestive-related diseases.
Research from the University of Tokyo published in 2021 confirmed that glycine from fish bladders has the ability to reduce the risk of stomach ulcers and promote recovery from damage.
Aids in wound healing
Another study from the University of Southern California found that fish bladders contain high levels of arginine, an amino acid that plays an important role in wound healing.
Arginine helps the body produce more nitric oxide, a compound needed to increase blood circulation, delivering nutrients and oxygen to damaged areas to promote healing.
This explains why in Eastern medicine, fish bladders have been used for centuries as a remedy to aid wound healing and treat blood-related diseases.
Strengthen the immune system
The rich protein content in fish maw also helps to strengthen the immune system. Essential amino acids such as lysine found in fish maw play an important role in the production of antibodies, helping the body fight off disease-causing bacteria and viruses.
A study in the journalJournal of Nutritional BiochemistryIn 2020, it was proven that lysine from fish bladders can help improve immunity, especially during periods when the body is weakened or recovering from illness./.
