Eel, Nutritious Superfood for Every Meal

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Are you looking for variety in your protein sources? Try eel! This seafood is nutrient-rich and offers a range of health benefits.

According to Halodoc.com, eel meat is high in protein, essential omega-3 fatty acids, and a variety of vitamins such as A, B complex, D, and E. In addition, important minerals like calcium, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium are also abundant. This combination of nutrients plays a vital role in supporting organ function and maintaining optimal health.

Vitamin A in eel is crucial for eye health, preventing vision problems, and supporting retinal function. Meanwhile, omega-3 fatty acids, especially DHA, are key components of brain and nerve cells. These nutrients are essential for cognitive development, memory, and optimal brain function, both in children and adults.

Eel provides calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D, a trio of nutrients important for bone and dental health. Consuming eel can help maintain bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life. Meanwhile, the iron and vitamin B12 content in eel can help prevent and address anemia, especially iron-deficiency anemia.

The complete nutritions in eel makes it an excellent food for all age groups, including infants. Eel can be one of the animal protein sources in complementary feeding to support infants' growth!

Eel can be turned into a variety of delicious dishes when handled properly and hygienically. Start by washing it thoroughly under running water to remove any slime. To reduce the slime and fishy odor, rub the eel with salt or lime juice, then rinse it again until completely clean.

One popular recipe is crispy fried eel. Besides frying, you can also make eel into spicy sambal eel. For a soupier option, eel can be cooked as yellow broth eel or spicy rica-rica eel. Eel can also be made into pepes—wrapped in banana leaves with spices, steamed, then lightly grilled for a rich, fragrant flavor.

For optimal health, it’s important to prepare eel carefully—cook it thoroughly and use minimal oil. When prepared properly, eel isn’t just a tasty dish. It gives valuable nutrients to the whole family’s health.