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Friday 13 December 2019

S is for Sardines, a great super-food !

Did you know that Sardines are named after Sardinia, the Italian island where large schools of these fish were once found. While sardines are delightful enjoyed fresh, they are most commonly found canned, since they are so perishable. With growing concern over the health of the seas, people are turning to sardines since they are at the bottom of the aquatic food chain, feeding solely on plankton, and therefore do not concentrate heavy metals, such as mercury, and contaminants as do some other fish.

Sardines date back to time immemorial, but it was the emperor Napoleon Bonaparte who helped to popularize these little fish by initiating the canning of sardines, the first fish ever to be canned, in order to feed the citizens of the land over which he presided.

Canned sardines packed in olive oil are preferable to those in soybean oil. Those concerned about their intake of fat may want to choose sardines packed in water. Look at the expiration date on the package to ensure that they are still fresh.

If you are purchasing fresh sardines, look for ones that smell fresh, are firm to the touch, and have bright eyes and shiny skin.

Sardines are an excellent source of vitamin B12 and selenium. They are a very good source of phosphorus, omega-3 fatty acids, protein and vitamin D. Additionally, they are a good source of calcium, niacin, copper, vitamin B2 and choline.

A super food that not only contains great nutrients but is usually reasonably priced too ...




Read much more about sardines at this site here

Recipe suggestions
Sardines & tomatoes on toast - see here - but use a low carb bread!
Sardines with crisp paprika crumbs - see here - a summer time delight!
Sardine Stuffed Avocado - see here - full of nutrients, plus it's LCHF and Paleo!
Sardine Salad, Greek Style - see here - with or without bread!

A variety of articles, studies and recipe ideas are in this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues please take these into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use a reliable meter.

All the best Jan

24 comments:

Catarina said...

Grilled sardines are very popular in Portugal. Tourists love them as well. I eat canned sardines or canned mackerel because they are so healthy. Portuguese canned sardines are the best. Trust me. I have tried many brands from different countries, but there is no comparison. :))

Rain said...

I'm not a fan of sardines! But...my beloved late grandfather used to eat them right out of the can! So it's a good memory for me! :)

Victor S E Moubarak said...

Sardines are stupid. They get in the tin and leave the key outside.

God bless.

Jo said...

My grandma used to give me sardines on a regular basis when I stayed with her as a child but it's not something I've eaten for a very long time.

Jeanie said...

When I was a kid I always wanted sardines in my Christmas stocking and Easter basket (along with olives and herring.) I was a weird kid. But they're good!

DVArtist said...

OK I know sardines are good for us but I just can't do them. I have tried and wellllll. No. LOL

DUTA said...

I didn't know sardines were named after Sardinia island, but I do know they're good food, of great variety, and decent prices.
I prefer the ones canned in water, but the water is quite salty.

Tom said...

...I enjoy them.

Elephant's Child said...

Our cat Jazz would agree with you. Definitely a super food.

Lea said...

I have never eat Sardines even though I know they are a healthy food. For canned fish, Salmon is my choice. And I love fresh Salmon, too.
Interesting information about the history of canned Sardines.

CJ Kennedy said...

Himself likes sardines. Not me.

Chatty Crone said...

No sardines for me - sorry!

Martha said...

My father was a HUGE fan of sardines. I also enjoy them from time to time.

happyone said...

Not a fan of sardines.

Christine said...

Sardines tomato and toast sound good, I should eat more sardines based on your good information here thanks.

Rose said...

I loved sardines as a kid...have not had any in years.

Chris Lally said...

No, no sardines thanks. All the more for my sardine lovin' hubby and dog:)

Valerie-Jael said...

Sardines are always good! Valerie

Teresa said...

A mí me gustan las sardinas y las como de vez en cuando. Besitos.

Miss Val's Creations said...

I have never eaten a sardine. My husband used to buy them for their health benefits.

pam nash said...

Odd as it may sound - I had never tried sardines until fairly recently. On a bagel with cream cheese, good!

Conniecrafter said...

I just can't do sardines..... :(
Wishing you and your family a wonderful and Happy Christmas!!

William Kendall said...

Not for me either.

Magic Love Crow said...

Everyone loves sardines in my family, except for me! LOL!