Fish is one of the healthiest foods you can eat. When it comes to meat, nutritionists always recommend it as the best meat option.
So, why do I feel sleepy after eating fish?
After we answer this question you will not only realize the reason, but also you will be thankful to feel sleepy after eating fish.
Why Do I Feel Sleepy After Eating Fish?
The main reason is the Omega 3 fatty acids present in the fish. These fatty acids can promote and improve sleep quality significantly. That’s why you feel sleepy.
For this reason and others, we invite you to read the fantastic benefits that your body obtains when you consume foods fish that are rich in Omega 3.
Benefits of consuming Omega-3 fatty acids
Consuming Omega 3 fatty acids offers a wide variety of benefits. When you consume these acids, you provide your body with an elemental nutrient that allows you to maintain health.
Reduces blood clots
For those with circulatory problems, consuming foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids can help prevent blood platelets from clumping together, increasing the chances of developing blood clots.
Lowers triglyceride levels
It is always necessary to keep triglyceride levels low to avoid cardiac complications. Omega 3 acids slow down the formation in the liver.
Keeps the lining of the arteries smooth
To maintain the smooth lining of the arteries, Omega 3 fights the formation of plaque in the arteries.
Significantly reduces the risk of sudden cardiac death
Being this the main cause of death in recent years in the United States, it is essential to take care of our diet. Instead of consuming a lot of red meat, you should opt for meats rich in healthy fats such as salmon or tuna.
Reduces the risks of cardiovascular diseases
Cardiovascular diseases are becoming more common every day. It is necessary to do everything possible not to suffer from them. Omega 3 can greatly reduce this risk.
Help fighting inflammation
When a certain part of your body becomes inflamed, your body releases certain substances. This is where Omega 3 does its job by greatly reducing the production of these substances.
Help lowering blood pressure
It is no secret that those people who include fatty acids in their diet tend to have low blood pressure as it is one of the important nutrients that the body needs.
Increase high-density lipoprotein levels
This is what is known as the good cholesterol, which is essential in our body.
Amount of Omega 3 fatty acids in different fish
Now we will show you a valuable table where you can see the amount of Omega-3 fatty acids in different fish and seafood:
| Fish & Seafood | Omega-3 |
| Salmon | 1.8 grams |
| Tuna (Bluefin) | 1.2 grams |
| Albacore Tuna | 1.5 grams |
| Halibut | 0.9 grams |
| Sea Bass | 0.65 grams |
| Striped Bass | 0.8 grams |
| Tuna (Bluefin) | 1.2 grams |
| Anchovy | 1.4 grams |
| Lake White fish | 1.5 grams |
| Lake Trout | 2 grams |
| Herring | 2 grams |
| Mackerel | 2.6 grams |
Other foods rich in Omega-3
You can also get the benefits of the fatty acids though other type of food apart from fish. The video below shows some of them:
Fish recipes
You already know what the great benefits of fatty acids. Now, it’s time to see some healthy recipes rich in Omega 3.
Grilled Salmon With Rosemary
Easy and quick meal to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
- Pinch freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary leaves, chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried, crushed
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)
- Capers (optional)
Instructions
- Cut the fish into 4 equal-size portions. Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic, and rosemary in a bowl. Brush the mixture onto the fish.
- To grill, arrange the fish on a grill rack or use a grill basket sprayed with olive oil cooking spray. Grill over medium-hot coals until the fish flakes easily (allow 4–6 minutes per 1⁄2″ of thickness). If the fish is more than 1″ thick, gently turn it halfway through grilling.
- To broil, spray the rack of a broiler pan with olive oil cooking spray and arrange the fish on it. Broil 4″ from the heat for 4–6 minutes per 1⁄2″ of thickness. If the fish is more than 1″ thick, gently turn it halfway through broiling.
Nutrition Information
Yield 4 Serving Size 4Amount Per Serving Calories 231Total Fat 15gSaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 67mgSodium 213mgCarbohydrates 1gFiber 0gProtein 23g
Grilled Mahi Mahi
Low calorie fish meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
- Pinch freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary leaves, chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried, crushed
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)
- Capers (optional)
Instructions
- Cut the mahi mahi into 4 serving-size portions. Brush both sides of the fish with the olive oil and lemon juice. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then rub the garlic on the fish.
- To grill, arrange the fish on a grill rack or use a grill basket that has been sprayed with an olive oil cooking spray. Grill over medium-hot coals for 4–6 minutes per 1⁄2″ of thickness, or until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork. If the fish is more than 1″ thick, gently turn it halfway through grilling.
- To broil, arrange the fish on the rack of a broiler pan that has been sprayed with an olive oil cooking spray. Broil 4″ from the heat for 4–6 minutes per 1⁄2″ of thickness, or until the fish flakes easily when tested with a fork.
Nutrition Information
Yield 4 Serving Size 4Amount Per Serving Calories 231Total Fat 15gSaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 67mgSodium 213mgCarbohydrates 1gFiber 0gProtein 23g
Swordfish Kebabs
Healthy low-carb meal.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh rosemary or 1 tsp. dried
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lb. swordfish steaks, cut into 1 1/4-inch cubes
- 1 small zucchini or summer squash, sliced into 1/4-inch-thick ovals
Instructions
- Prepare a grill. If using wooden skewers, soak eight 10-inch skewers in water for 20 minutes.
- In a shallow dish, stir together lemon juice, olive oil, rosemary, salt and pepper.
- Add swordfish and stir to coat well.
- Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
- Thread skewers alternately with pieces of swordfish and zucchini or summer squash.
- Grill the kebabs on a lightly oiled grill rack until the fish is opaque in the center, about 5 minutes per side.
Nutrition Information
Yield 4 Serving Size 4Amount Per Serving Calories 177Saturated Fat 8gCholesterol 44mgSodium 370mgCarbohydrates 2gProtein 23g
Sleep after eating fish
Now that you know why eating fish makes you sleepy, it is good to take a break or rest after enjoying some of the recipes we have described above.
Studies have shown that eating fish or other types of seafood can help you sleep better and improve brain function.
This food may help you sleep better https://t.co/s8W3BFJK13 pic.twitter.com/YAnHS1G58i
— TIME (@TIME) January 10, 2018
Fish can also be a great food for growing children. By stimulating brain function, which can be nicely reflected in learning, fish is in the food pyramid.
Therefore, it is a food that cannot be missed and less so for the little ones in the house.
Related questions
We know how important this topic is for your health. That is why we will answer some of the most common questions regarding Omega 3 fatty acids.
Seafood has a large percentage of salt. Even more so when recipes are prepared with a certain concentration of seasoning, it is normal to cause a lot of thirst.
It is recommended to consume fish or other types of seafood between 2 or 3 times a week. For people with heart problems, they can consume 1 gram a day. Also, don’t forget to consult with your doctor so that he can prescribe the amount you require according to your specific condition.
It may be that your doctor prescribes a supplement based on fish oil.
If for some reason you cannot consume fish, Linolenic acid is a very good alternative. Linolenic is in various plant foods such as: walnuts and flaxseed oils – including canola and soybean oils.
Yes, it makes you gain quality sleep. The nutrients present in fish such as Omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin D help regulate the chemical called Serotonin which is important for some body functions like sleep among others (mood, bone health, wound healing, digestion, etc).
Conclusion
As we have already mentioned, fish is one of the healthiest foods. And it is undoubtedly a type of meat that should always be in your diet. It offers wonderful benefits for your health:
- Reduce the risk of blood clots.
- Maintain your triglyceride levels low.
- Maintain the lining of the arteries smooth.
- Help avoid cardiac attacks.
- Reduce the risk of cardiovascular deseases.
- Have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Source of the Good cholesterol.
As you can see, your body benefits greatly from eating fish. And it can make you feel sleepy, take that opportunity to take a good rest to digest the food.
What better way to digest a nutritious meal than enjoying a good sleep afterwards!
David is a writer and graduate professor. He writes for different websites. With 7+ years of experience in writing and education, David has combined his expertise in teaching with his passion for physical and mental wellness. He researches and writes to bring you valuable information about weight loss, nutrition, fitness, community, society and more.
