Burbot: Complete Mineral Profile

Burbot ‐ Mineral Information

Minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, play an integral role in a healthy human diet. Of the many food sources that provide minerals, one of the least known is burbot (Lota lota). Burbot, commonly referred to as “liver fish” for its yellow-white coloration, is a freshwater fish found across the Northern Hemisphere. While it is not widely eaten due to its relatively low taste quality compared to other fish species, burbot provides an important source of essential minerals, vitamins, proteins, and fatty acids.

The main mineral content present in burbot includes phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and several trace elements. Among these elements, phosphorus and potassium compose the major proportion of minerals found within the fish, providing more than ninety percent of all minerals obtainable from the flesh. Phosphorus promotes strong bones, tissue repair processes, proper respiration, energy production, and helps control acid-base balance. Potassium stimulates muscle growth and nerve conduction while decreasing the risk of stroke and hypertension by helping maintain a normal electrolyte balance.

Burbot also contains many trace minerals which are present in lesser concentrations but still fuel body processes critical to human health. These include manganese, copper, zinc, molybdenum, iodine, vanadium, and cobalt. Manganese plays a role in reproduction, hair formation, development, digestion, enzyme reactions and metabolism. Copper, although only needed in minor amounts for healthy functioning, is important for DNA synthesis, iron absorption, hormone production and antioxidant properties. Zinc aids in wound healing, immunity, vision and cell division and influences hormonal signals bacteria. Molybdenum activates enzymes responsible for cellular oxygen transport and sulfur metabolism whereas iodine contributes to blood flow regulation, endocrine system balance, detoxification and immune responses. Vanadium helps improve glucose tolerance as well as insulin sensitivity. Lastly, cobalt serves key functions in red blood cells and hormones associated with vitamin B12 metabolism.

Such minerals from burbot can be consumed either raw or cooked and combined with multiple ingredients in soups, pies and casseroles. However, because there may be some levels of toxins like mercury in large specimens of burbot, it is important to limit consumption to one serving per week so as to ensure safe intake. It is recommended that people seek advice from their personal physician when considering consuming burbot on a regular basis, particularly those with certain illness such as pregnant women, breast-feeding mothers and children. This will guarantee that they consume safe amounts of minerals without exceeding any toxic threshold intakes.

In conclusion, there are numerous beneficial minerals available from the ingestion of burbot, though careful consideration should be taken before doing so if consumed regularly. With scarcity of variety in nutrient-rich diets, this saltwater fish can supplement daily needs for nutrients, minerals and fatty acids necessary for maintaining well-being in humans.