The nutrition of paddlefish caviar is undeniable. Primitive people valued paddlefish caviar as a super food for adults, and it is a food staple for children’s health. Packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, paddlefish caviar is considered one of the healthiest foods Americans are not eating.
Before we dive into the nutrition of paddlefish caviar, it is important to understand what it is and where it comes from. The paddlefish is an ancient freshwater fish and relative of the sturgeon. This large fish is either of two species – the American paddlefish or the Psephurus gladius. The American paddlefish or “spoonbill” can weigh up to 40 pounds and it lives in the Mississippi Basin. Psephurus gladius is even larger and it lives in the Yangtze River Basin. While the flesh of both fish is similar to the common catfish, its eggs or “roe” are a delicacy around the world.
Protein Content
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of protein is between 0.6 and 0.8 grams per 2.2 pounds of body weight. For example, a 110-115 pound female requires approximately 40 grams of protein per day, while a 150 pound man requires around 56 grams of protein per day. One hundred grams (3.52 ounces) of paddlefish caviar contains 24.6 grams of protein. This means, roughly six tablespoons of paddlefish caviar provides 25-50 percent or more of the RDA of protein for men and women up to 200 pounds.
Fatty Acid Content
One hundred grams of paddlefish caviar contain 6.558 grams (0.23 ounces) of omega-3 fatty acids. The U.S. Food and Nutrition Board has not published an RDA for omega-3 fatty acids. However, Health Canada and the British Nutrition Force recommend 1 gram of omega-3 fatty acids per day. Back in the U.S., nutritionists and the American Heart Association have set the standards in absence of a solid figure from the federal government.
Individuals with a high risk of heart disease should consume the same amount of omega-3 fatty acids as Canadians and the British – 1 gram. The average American, according to most nutritionists, should consume 2-3 servings of coldwater fish per week to reap the benefits omega-3s have to offer. Roughly one teaspoon of paddlefish caviar offers more than enough omega-3 fatty acids to keep the heart, digestive system and kidneys healthy. One small teaspoon per day can also ease the symptoms of arthritis and protect the body against cancer, stroke and even depression.
Calories, Fat and Carbohydrates
Paddlefish caviar contain a minuscule amount of carbohydrates. In fact, the amount so small, many labels do not list carbohydrate content. While paddlefish caviar may be a carb-counters dream, it might not be the best fit for individuals that may be watching their calorie and fat intake. Paddlefish is also a poor choice for individuals that do not tolerate sodium very well. One hundred grams of paddlefish caviar contains 17 grams of fat and 1,700 milligrams of sodium. The USDA recommends an AI (adequate intake) of 1,300-1,500 milligrams of sodium per day. The maximum intake recommended from food, water and supplements is 2,300 milligrams.
Also see:
http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/fats/omega-3-facts-epa-vs-dha-fatty-acid.html
http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/fats/what-is-an-omega3-fatty-acid.html
