The vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats found in cod provide significant health benefits. It’s rich in vitamin B12, which is an important part of your body’s nerve and blood cells. Vitamin B12 also helps prevent anemia by keeping your red blood cells in good condition. Some people who eat plant-heavy diets may find that consuming vitamin B12 helps improve their energy levels.
Cod, like many fish, is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids—an essential fat. The body needs omega-3 fats, but it can’t produce them on its own. As a result, it’s essential that you get these fats through your diet. Getting enough omega-3 fatty acids in your diet can help lower triglycerides, a type of unhealthy cholesterol.
Studies have found that consuming omega-3s can help decrease blood pressure by several points, helping reduce your risk of heart disease. Eating enough omega-3 fatty acids might even be better for controlling high blood pressure than reducing your salt consumption.
Eating plenty of fish has been shown to cut mortality from coronary heart disease by up to 30%. Eating fish like cod at least once a week also reduces the risk and severity of heart disease and stroke.