Seafood lovers have a new reason to celebrate as ocean perch, also known as rockfish, has been named the world's healthiest fish, scoring an impressive 89 out of 100 on the BBC's nutritional ranking. This deep-sea fish offers a protein powerhouse with approximately 20 grams per 100g serving and only 79 calories, making it a low-fat, nutrient-dense choice.
The ranking, which evaluates foods based on their vitamin and mineral content, places ocean perch ahead of other popular fish like salmon. While salmon is praised for its omega-3 fatty acids, ocean perch outperforms it in overall nutritional value, providing a lean source of protein without excessive saturated fats.
In addition to fish, the study highlighted watercress as the healthiest vegetable, achieving a perfect score of 100. Jennifer Di Noia, an associate professor at William Paterson University, explained that higher-ranking foods deliver more nutrients per calorie. Watercress beat other leafy greens like spinach and chard, which scored in the 80s.
Honey was also recognised as the world's healthiest snack, despite being primarily sugar. Its antioxidant properties and potential health benefits, including reducing the risk of certain cancers and infections, make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet.
