Pakistani Local Fishes and their Health Benefits

Introduction

The country of Pakistan has beautiful topography and blessed with a wide variety of biodiversity. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan are the main provinces of Pakistan that have notable diversity of fish species. Along with this, almost all provinces of Pakistan have endemic fish species. The availability of fish species depends on the water conditions, time of the year, food, etc.

Also Check Out: Overfishing and Fish Stock Depletion – Causes, Effects, Solutions 

Water Resources of Pakistan

There are freshwater and marine water resources in Pakistan that include streams, lakes, canals, rivers, sea, and other small water bodies. The largest freshwater resource in Pakistan is known as Indus River System. It starts from the region of the Himalayas. The main tributaries of the Indus River System are Chenab, Jehlum, Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej. Other tributaries that join the Indus River system in Pakistan are as follows: Gilgit River, Gomal River, Hunza River, Kunar River, Kurram River, Panjnad River, Shyok River, Soan River, Suru River, Swat River, and Zhob River. For more info: Freshwater Ecosystem of Pakistan – Climatic Biome.

Endemic Species of Pakistan

There are almost 30 Endemic Fish species in Pakistan. Some species are restricted to specific areas due to the temperature condition of the water.

For more information, kindly check out: Endemic or Native Fish Species of Pakistan

Health Benefits of Fish

Aquatic food is an extremely rich source of nutrients, minerals, and vitamins that enhance the immune system of humans. Published research has reported that aquatic food is a good source of proteins, essential amino acids, essential minerals (magnesium, copper, calcium, zinc, selenium, iodine, and chromium), essential vitamins (A, B12, D, E, choline, coenzyme Q, and folic acid) and most important omega 3- fatty acid. All these nutrients make seafood an important ingredient of a healthy diet.

The health benefits associated with aquatic food are as follows: It prevents heart diseases, and there is less probability of dry eye disease, rheumatoid arthritis, cognitive function, dementia, cancer, and cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and age-related macular degeneration. Also, it regulates blood clotting and acts as an energy source for the body.

Also check out: Eating Fish From Chenab River Pakistan Can Be Deadly For You

Conclusion

The diverse fish population is extremely getting influenced by climatic conditions. The pollution of water bodies is a direct threat to fish species. The chemical discharge in river systems is not only polluting rivers but also causing metal accumulation in fish that could have negative health impacts on humans who consume such fish.

Recommendation

The government should take action against those who are responsible for the disturbance of aquatic life.

Also read: World Fisheries And Impacts Of Fishery Over-Exploitation

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