16 Fabulous Health Benefits of Anchovies

Anchovies are small fish found in saltwater. There are over 100 species of anchovies and their habitat spans multiple oceans. They are classified as forage fish due to the fact that they are often preyed on by larger predatory fish that inhabit the same area as them. The Mediterranean Sea is a particular hotspot when it comes to catching anchovies which is why it should come as no surprise that they’re prominent in both European and Arabian cuisines.

They travel in packs — or rather, schools — which is why it’s so easy to capture a large clump of these fish with a single net. It might surprise you to know that these small and common fish actually hold many health benefits that you could take advantage of by incorporating them into your diet. Let’s get into the eight health benefits that anchovies have to offer.

1. Weight loss

Losing weight is hard, but losing weight while still staying healthy is way harder. Fortunately, there are some “hacked foods” that can help you shed pounds without compromising your overall health. Anchovies are one of these. This is due to the fact that their protein count is very high despite the fact that their calories are much lower than average.

The disproportionate distribution of protein and calories allows you to get a lot of protein — which your body needs to function — while still eating at a caloric deficit each day making it far easier to lose weight. Studies also show that eating anchovies will suppress the production of your hunger hormones reducing cravings and ensuring that you don’t gain your weight back. If you want to look slimmer for the summer but still want to have the energy to enjoy beach season then get some anchovies on your plate.