What is oily fish? Are tuna and salmon oily fish, how does it affect menopause and what are the health benefits?
The NHS advise eating at least two portions of oily fish a week... here's why
OUR interest in oily fish was pricked when people noticed that Eskimos, who have a diet packed full of them, have less heart attacks and strokes than the rest of us.
So what are the health benefits of oily fish, and which foods count? Here's what we know...
What is oily fish?
Oily fish are types which contain around 30 per cent oil.
Examples include small forage fish like sardines, herring and anchovies.
While larger species like salmon, trout, tuna and mackerel are also classed as oily.
Cod, haddock and hake, on the other hand, are all classed as white fish.
The NHS say that we should be eating at two portions of fish a week - with one portion oily.
If you're looking to get your fix cheaply, try eating tinned sardines or mackerel on toast for lunch.
How does oily fish affect menopause?
Eating a daily serving of oily fish can delay the menopause by more than three years, according to a new study.
The high levels of antioxidants were thought to put hot flushes and other symptoms, which normally occur between the ages of 40 and 58, on pause.
More than 14,000 women were polled for the research, which found the average age of menopause was 51.
What are the other health benefits of eating oily fish?
Oily fish is a great source of vitamin D, protein, some B vitamins and selenium.
It's also rich in omega 3 fatty acids, which come with a whole host of health benefits.
The main benefit of oily fish is that it's been shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases.
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Oily fish can lower blood pressure and reduce fat from building up in the arteries - and researchers recommend eating two portions-a-week.
Some studies have found oily fish can reduce someone's risk of prostate cancer, dementia, age-related eyesight problems, arthritis and even schizophrenia.
But the NHS warned results are mixed, and the benefits not proven.