The value of fish was recognised long before scientific medicine proved the point. Medical research has begun to confirm some of old physicians' practices and the old wives' tales. In the mid-1970s it was observed that Greenland Inuits had high fat and cholesterol levels yet no heart disease. More recent studies have suggested that fish oil reduces the chances of heart problems, helps prevent hyperactivity in children, is useful in treating depression, lowers aggression under stress and eases pain from arthritis. The role fish oils may play in fighting cancer, especially breast cancer, is also under investigation.
Some oily fish are popular again.
Sales of kippers have risen. Salmon consumption has doubled since 1993 and tuna is no longer just an exotic addition to the menu. It lies also in the large supplies of polyunsaturated fatty acids known as omega-3. This seems to help protect against heart disease by lowering levels of plasma triglyceride which is associated with high cholesterol. It is great as long as it is not fried in batter.