Don’t just eat fish today, two portions a week boosts NHS

IT’S traditional to eat fish on Good Friday, but tucking into it again over the next few days could boost the nation’s health – and even the economy.

If everyone ate one more portion of fish a week than currently, the NHS could save up to £600 million every year, a study estimates.

Businesses could save up to £ 60 million annually in reduced sick leave, according to analysis by the University of East Anglia. The switch to a healthier option would prevent up to 4,900 cases of type 2 diabetes and 18,000 cancer cases a year, including almost 9,000 bowel cancers, according to the research commissioned by Seafish, a public body supporting the UK seafood sector.

Diets rich in seafood – a lean source of protein – are recommended to help maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol and blood pressure. NHS guidelines recommend people eat at least two portions of fish a week, including one of oily fish such as salmon or tuna. But estimates suggest people in England are eating half the recommended level.

Teresa Fenn, director of the Risk & Policy Analysts team that led the study, said: ‘The reduced risk of developing both type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer has a huge ripple effect, from improved quality of life for individuals, all the way to influencing Government funding.’ She added: ‘Prevention of illness through diet is an accessible and realistic way to tackle these conditions.’

Marcus Coleman, of Seafish, said: ‘Increasing the quantity of fish and shellfish in our diets could save thousands of lives a year, as well providing a muchneeded boost to the UK economy.’