If you are a seafood lover, do not miss the opportunity to try anchovies, which are considered one of the fish that are beneficial to the health of the body thanks to their containing a variety of essential nutrients. In this report, we review the benefits of anchovies according to the   "Dalili Medical" website.

**What is anchovy?**

 

Anchovies are a type of small, silvery fish, belonging to the Engraulidae family, and their length ranges from 1 to 15.5 inches. Despite their small size, they are characterized by their delicious taste and high nutritional value. Anchovies are usually used in small quantities, and they are common in the Mediterranean diet, where they are added to a variety of dishes. Anchovies are known for their salty and strong flavor, but their taste depends on the method of processing. One of the most common methods of processing is hollowing them out and adding salt to them, which helps draw out moisture and prevent the growth of bacteria. There are also other methods such as pickling them in vinegar, which gives them a milder flavor. You can also find fresh anchovies or packed in oil or salt in small cans.

**Are Anchovies Halal?**

 

Canned anchovies in olive oil are considered halal.

**Are Anchovies Harmful to Pregnant Women?**

 

As for the question of whether anchovies are harmful to pregnant women, anchovies are considered safe if they are from a reliable source, and it is recommended to avoid canned anchovies. Anchovies can be made safe by cooking them, as they are considered a low-mercury type, allowing them to be enjoyed during pregnancy without worrying about mercury levels. Anchovies are a healthy and safe choice for pregnant women, as they contain essential omega-3 fatty acids. However, you should be careful if you are allergic to fish or if you have had allergic reactions to other types of fish or crustaceans.

**The Difference Between Anchovies and Sardines**

 

Many people confuse anchovies with sardines due to their small size and similar culinary uses. The difference between them is that anchovies are smaller and have dark flesh, while sardines are larger and have white flesh, and their taste is less pungent compared to anchovies, especially the canned variety.

**What is anchovy?**

 

Anchovies are small, shiny fish, ranging in color from silver to green, and belong to the Engraulis family in the Mediterranean and Europe, or the Anchoa family in North America. Anchovies are considered saltwater forage fish, and live mainly in the Mediterranean and Black Seas, making them a common ingredient in local cuisine.

**What is the difference between anchovies and sardines?**

 

Most sardines are commercially produced, while commercial importance is limited to a few anchovy species. Sardines are characterized by their varied body colors, while anchovies are blue-green with a shiny silver stripe. Anchovies have a pointed shape and a large mouth, while sardines have a prominent dagger and a linear mouth.

**What is anchovy?**

 

Anchovies are a small type of fish that are rich in nutrients and provide many health benefits. Anchovies are known for their strong, salty flavor. A 45-gram serving of anchovies canned in oil contains 95 calories, in addition to protein, fat, vitamin B3, vitamin B12, selenium, iron, and calcium.

**Are anchovies the same as bassaria?**

 

Anchovies and sardines are two types of small fish. Although they are related, they differ in many physical characteristics. These fish feed on plankton and are food for other large fish, and anchovies are characterized by their oily, salty flavor.

**Are bassaria the anchovies?**

 

Anchovies and sardines are two types of small fish. Despite what is said about their relationship, they differ in many physical characteristics.

**How ​​are anchovies made?**

 

To prepare anchovies, place a layer of sardines in a sealed container, then add a layer of coarse salt and hot pepper. Repeat this step until the quantity is finished. After that, add a little oil and lemon juice with lemon peel. Place a plastic bag on the surface as an air insulator, then close the container tightly and leave it for a period ranging from one week to ten days before opening it.

**What is the best type of fish?**

 

Some types of fish such as salmon, tuna and cod are among the most popular and appreciated types by many.

Are anchovies considered a type of salted fish?

 

Yes, saltiness refers to salted fish, and anchovies are one of the most famous types of these fish.

Anchovies are small fish characterized by a rich flavor and high nutritional value, so it is recommended to eat them in moderate quantities. Anchovies contain omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, vitamins and minerals, making them useful in losing weight, preventing cancer, and promoting heart and brain health. However, it should be noted that many processed types are high in sodium, and eating raw anchovies may increase the risk of parasitic infection. **Nutritional value of anchovies:**

In every 45 grams of canned anchovies in oil, we find the following:

- **Calories:** 95

- **Protein:** 13 grams

- **Fat:** 4 grams

- **Carbohydrates:** 0 grams

- **Vitamin B3:** 56% of the daily value (DV)

- **Selenium:** 55% of the daily requirement

- **Vitamin B12:** 16% of the daily value

- **Iron:** 12% of the daily value

- **Calcium:** 8% of the daily requirement

**Omega-3 acids:**

Omega-3 acids are essential fatty acids that the body cannot produce on its own, so they must be obtained from external sources such as fish. These acids play a vital role in promoting brain health and mental development, and also contribute to improving concentration and mental abilities.

Omega-3 also helps treat disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.Hyperactivity, enhances cognition and cognitive skills. It also improves cardiovascular health, and protects against various diseases by regulating cholesterol levels and reducing triglycerides in the blood.

These acids contribute to increasing blood flow to the heart, which reduces the risk of heart attacks and atherosclerosis. Omega-3 is also considered an effective anti-inflammatory in cases of pneumonia, allergies and asthma. In addition, it enhances the health of the skin, hair and eyes.

**Selenium**

 

Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that plays an important role in reducing the effect of free radicals, which contributes to reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer. It also helps relieve oxidative stress and inflammation that affect heart health. In addition, selenium enhances thyroid function and strengthens the immune system. It also has aesthetic benefits, as it contributes to the health and freshness of the skin and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.

**Anchovy Harms**

 

After reviewing 8 health benefits of anchovies, here are the 3 most prominent harms that may result from eating them:

1. **High sodium content**

Anchovies contain a high percentage of sodium, which may increase the risk of high blood pressure. Therefore, people with diabetes, kidney disease, or obesity, as well as those who are sensitive to salt, should be careful when eating them. To reduce this risk, it is preferable to rinse the anchovies before eating them, while making sure to eat them in moderation.

2. **Domoic acid contamination**

Another risk associated with anchovies is that they may be contaminated with domoic acid, which can lead to poisoning and memory loss. Symptoms associated with this include nausea, vomiting, digestive problems, and confusion.

3. **Risk of Parasitic Infection**

Eating raw anchovies may increase the risk of parasitic infection caused by fish parasites, which may lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever, or even allergies that may appear in the form of a rash.

In general, the benefits of anchovies outweigh their harms when eaten in moderation. It is preferable to ensure that anchovies are well cooked, and if any of the above symptoms appear after eating them, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

**Benefits of anchovies for pregnant women**

The needs of a pregnant woman for essential nutrients increase during pregnancy, as these elements play a vital role in the growth and health of the fetus, in addition to being essential for the health of the mother. Anchovies are considered a rich source of these important nutrients. Here are some of the benefits of anchovies for pregnant women:

- It is characterized by low levels of mercury compared to many other types of seafood, making it a safe choice, as mercury is considered a harmful substance that pregnant women should avoid.

- Provides a good amount of calcium necessary for the growth of the child's bones and teeth.

- Contains an appropriate percentage of vitamin D, which facilitates the body's absorption of calcium.

- It is considered an important source of omega-3 fatty acids that support brain development in children, which enhances the benefits of anchovies for pregnant women.

- Contains heme iron, which is better absorbed than iron found in plant sources, as pregnant women need 50% more iron than non-pregnant women, which is an essential element for the production of red blood cells.

**Benefits of anchovies**

 

1. **Prevention of heart disease**

Some studies indicate that eating anchovies regularly can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. This is due to its high content of omega-3 acids, which contribute to reducing triglyceride levels in the body and preventing their accumulation on the walls of the arteries, in addition to its ability to lower blood pressure. Anchovies also provide effective protection against stroke, as it helps reduce blood clotting in the blood vessels that feed the brain.

2. **Promote Thyroid Health**

A single serving of anchovies contains 31 micrograms of selenium, an essential nutrient. Research suggests that selenium deficiency can lead to thyroid disorders.

3. **Reduces the risk of macular degeneration**

Anchovies are an important ingredient for eye health, as they contain eicosapentaenoic acid, a type of omega-3 fatty acid, which helps reduce the risk of macular degeneration, which can negatively affect vision.

4. **Fight Alzheimer’s**

A study conducted by Harvard Medical School showed that individuals who eat large amounts of foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as anchovies, have lower levels of beta-amyloid protein, which is considered a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.

5. **Cancer Fight**

Anchovies contain omega-3 fatty acids that help fight inflammation, in addition to selenium, which has antioxidant properties. These elements contribute to fighting various types of cancer by inhibiting the growth and spread of cancer cells.

**How ​​to prepare fried anchovies**

 

**Ingredients for fried anchovies:**

- 1 kilogram of fresh anchovies

- 4 lemons

- 1 teaspoon of salt

- 1 teaspoon of black pepper

- 1 cup of flour

- 2 cups of oil for frying

**How ​​to prepare:**

 

1. Clean the fish well from the outside and inside, then wash and dry it well.

2. Season the fish with lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.

3. Dip the fish in flour until it is completely covered, then fry it in oil until it turns golden, and serve it hot.

 

**Pickled Anchovies**

 

**Ingredients for Pickled Anchovies:**

- 250 grams of anchovies

- 200 ml of vinegar

- 200 ml of olive oil

- 1 small cup of chopped parsley

- 6 cloves of chopped garlic

**How ​​to prepare:**

 

1. Clean the fish well from the insideAnd outside to make sure there are no traces of blood, then dry it.

2. In a bowl, put vinegar on the fish and cover it, then leave it in the refrigerator overnight.

3. The next day, drain the anchovies from the vinegar, then put the chopped garlic and chopped parsley on top of the anchovies in a new dish.

4. Cover it with olive oil, then keep it in the refrigerator until use.

 

**Anchovy sauce**

**Anchovy sauce ingredients:**

- 1 cup of ready-made mayonnaise

- 2 cups of chopped anchovies

- 3 tablespoons of olive oil

**How ​​to prepare:**

 

1. In a bowl, add mayonnaise and then olive oil and stir well.

2. Add the anchovies and stir, then leave it in the refrigerator for a while.

3. Serve the fish sauce in a serving dish.

**Salted Anchovies**

**Salted Anchovies Ingredients:**

- 250 grams of small Basaria fish

- 2 cups of oil

- 1 cup of salt or as needed

- ¼ cup of hot pepper

- 2 green peppers cut into rings

- 2 lemons cut into rings

**How ​​to prepare salted anchovies**

 

Start by washing the Basaria fish well, then clean it and cut off its head. After that, put it in a covered strainer and leave it until the next day to make sure the water drains from it.

In a tightly sealed container, put a plastic bag inside, then add a layer of fish followed by a thick layer of salt and hot pepper. Repeat this process by placing layers of fish, salt and hot pepper until the quantity is finished.

Then add the lemon and pepper rings with a generous amount of oil, and finally put another layer of plastic bag and close the container tightly. Leave it for a period ranging from five days to a week before using it.