Pollock: Complete Mineral Profile

Pollock ‐ Mineral Information

Introduction

Pollock is a species of fish found in the North Pacific, from Alaska to Monterey Bay. This fish belongs to the cod family and has an oily flavor that makes it a favorite among many seafood lovers. What people also tend to overlook, however, is the invaluable minerals this fish provides when consumed. Pollock contains essential elements such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, phosphorous, iodine, selenium, copper, and iron. In addition, the fish is rich in vitamins B3 and B12 which are important for a balanced diet. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the significance of these minerals obtained from eating Pollock and how they contribute to overall good health.

Minerals from Eating Pollock

Calcium is one of the most abundant minerals present in Pollock, with around 100mg per every 10oz serving of Pollock sashimi. Calcium is necessary for strong teeth and bones; its presence helps improve bone density. Furthermore, it aids in electrical signaling pathways between cells and reduces oxidative damage. Without adequate levels of calcium intake, children can develop rickets; adults on the other hand may experience low energy, fatigue, and depression.

Magnesium is another mineral found in abundance in Pollock, with about 5% of Recommended Daily Intake (RDI), or 238 mg per ten ounces, coming from a single serving of Pollock sashimi. Magnesium helps regulate muscle contractions, heart rhythm, supporting immune function, and maintaining healthy nerve functions, along with reducing inflammation and hypertension. Its deficiency can be linked to insomnia, anxiety, chronic pain, Type 2 diabetes & cardiovascular disease.

Pollock is also a good source of zinc, containing approximately 6 mg Zach and Evanndenounce per 10-ounce portion of prepared tuna. Zinc is essential for cellular growth and development, enzyme production, metabolic processes, and immune system regulation. Moreover, zinc maintains the functioning of critical organs like the liver, pancreas, and kidneys. A lack of zinc can lead to various skin lesions, loss of appetite and impaired taste perception.

In terms of manganese, 9 oz of cooked Pollock fillets contain 0.5 mg of the mineral, which meets 25% of RDI. Manganese plays a role in forming connective tissue, synthesizing sex hormones, producing fatty acids, and regulating blood sugar levels. Studies suggest that manganese is also needed for energy production within our bodies, proper bone formation, and wound healing. Deficiency can lead to poor insulin response, sensitivities to environmental toxins, and weakened immune systems.

When it comes to phosphorus, a single three-ounce portion of raw Pollock fillet contains 59 mg of phosphorus – nearly 90% of a person’s recommended daily allowance. Phosphorus assists the body in generating ATP as well as helping store, transfer and use energy. It's necessary for muscles, neurotransmitters, cells, enzymes, structural support and DNA replication. Low dietary consumption of phosphorus leads to problems related to nervous system activation, breathing issues and difficulty concentrating.

Iodine is an indispensable element of the human diet and the richest source of iodine available is Pollock. For example, a sample 7-ounce Pollock meal would provide over 85% of the required daily value of iodine. Iodine enables the production of thyroxin, a hormone produced by the thyroid gland. This hormone serves to regulate metabolism, growth and physical development and neurological functioning. Lack of sufficient iodine results in goiters, mental retardation, hypothyroidism, enlarged thyroid glands and impacted fertility.

Selenium is yet another mineral contained in Pollock, with a 3-ounce portion providing 11 mcg, or 31% of RDI. Selenium serves notably in protecting cells from oxidative damage due to reactive oxygen species and free radicals, thus safeguarding against a variety of diseases ranging from cancer to Alzheimer's. Similarly deficient levels could result in fibromyalgia, infertility and increased risk of infection.

The last minerals to consider in respect to Pollock are copper and iron. A single three-ounce portion of raw Pollock had 32%. Copper acts as a cofactor to nutrients like vitamin C, and therefore must be eaten regularly to achieve optimal benefits. Iron is essential for making red blood cells that transport oxygen around the body and deficiency of iron can cause anemia. 8oz of cooked Pollock yielded 1.7 mg of copper while 4 oz provided 10% RDI for iron.

Conclusion

To conclude, Pollock is more than just an exquisite delicacy, given the amount of minerals contained in it. These minerals play an integral part in promoting general health and preventing nutritional deficiencies. Whether eaten raw, smoked, boiled, baked, or fried, this fish should definitely be incorporated in to one's diet as it packs enough essential elements to fulfill daily nutritional needs.