{"id":627276,"date":"2024-03-08T15:34:12","date_gmt":"2024-03-08T20:34:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=627276"},"modified":"2025-03-27T09:45:18","modified_gmt":"2025-03-27T13:45:18","slug":"sardines-benefits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/sardines-benefits\/","title":{"rendered":"9 health benefits of sardines"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sardines have long been a canned seafood mainstay. But affordability and convenience aside, are sardines good for you? Experts say yes. These small fish are an excellent source of protein and omega-3s, a type of polyunsaturated <\/span>fatty acid<\/span><\/a> (PUFA). They’re also rich in <\/span>vitamin D<\/span><\/a> and minerals like <\/span>iron<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>calcium<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

9 health benefits of sardines<\/span><\/h2>\n

Sardines are an <\/span>animal protein<\/span> complete with all the <\/span>amino acids<\/span><\/a> your body needs. They are also a good source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and several vitamins and minerals. Keep reading to discover the most notable health benefits of eating sardines.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Improve cholesterol levels<\/span><\/h3>\n

The <\/span>omega-3s<\/span> found in sardines and other fatty fish such as anchovies and salmon help <\/span>regulate cholesterol levels<\/span><\/a>, according to <\/span>Vicki Shanta Retelny, RDN<\/span>, a Chicago-based dietitian and author of <\/span>Total Body Diet For Dummies.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Specifically, the omega-3s in fish oil <\/span>reduce blood triglyceride levels<\/span><\/a> and potentially increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels\u2014the “good” kind of cholesterol. While some people take <\/span>fish oil supplements<\/span><\/a> to improve cholesterol, you can get those same benefits simply by eating more sardines.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Prevent cardiovascular disease<\/span><\/h3>\n

The <\/span>American Heart Association recommends<\/span><\/a> eating fish twice a week. That’s because the omega-3s in seafood, including sardines, are heart-healthy fats. “Sardines can benefit both genders as they offer beneficial essential fatty acids to keep cholesterol levels in check and fend off inflammation\u2014both risk factors for <\/span>heart disease<\/span><\/a>,” Retelny<\/a> says.<\/span><\/p>\n

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