Anchovy Fish(കൊഴുവ)


An anchovy (Engraulis spp) is a small, common forage fish of the family Engraulidae. Most species are found in marine waters, but several will enter brackish water and some in South America are restricted to fresh water. More than 140 species are placed in 17 genera; they are found in the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans, and in the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. Anchovies are usually classified as oily fish. Anchovies are small, green fish with blue reflections due to a silver-colored longitudinal stripe that runs from the base of the caudal (tail) fin. They range from 2 to 40 cm (0.79 to 15.75 in) in adult length, and their body shapes are variable with more slender fish in northern populations.
The snout is blunt with tiny, sharp teeth in both jaws. The snout contains a unique rostral organ, believed to be sensory in nature, although its exact function is unknown. The mouth is larger than that of herrings and silversides, two fish which anchovies closely resemble in other respects. The anchovy eats plankton and recently hatched fish.


Health Benefits

The anchovy, being an oily fish, is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, well known for its ability to lower levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood. It is also an excellent source of protein, with a fish of average size providing around 9g of protein and only 55 calories.

It is a good source of calcium and particularly of the trace mineral selenium, a powerful antioxidant that is naturally scarce in many parts of the world. In a 2013 report published in the Nutrition Journal, Dr. Yaakov Henkin, Cardiology Department, Soroka University Medical Center, Israel, revealed that anchovies contain large amounts of polyunsaturated fats, which can reduce the presence of LDL (bad) cholesterol. They help reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. 

Anchovies are a type of saltwater fish that have significant amounts of protein and a low-calorie count, which makes them ideal for people trying to lose weight. A report published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition based on dietary fish being a major component of a weight-loss diet revealed that increased levels of protein in fishes help you feel satiated, which, in turn, prevents overeating. Additionally, it suppresses the production of ghrelin (the hunger hormone). Thus, fishes like anchovies provide you with ample nutrition and health benefits, without pouring in any extra calories!

  • ·         High In Omega-3-Fatty Acids
  • ·         Improve skin Complexions
  • ·         Helps in Weight Loss
  • ·         Improve Bone Health
  • ·         Tissue and Cell Repair
  • ·         Rich In Iron
  • ·         Good Source Of Selenium
  • ·         Rich In Niacin & Vitamin B12

Nutritional Facts

(100g)




NutrientValue
Water [g]73.37
Energy [kcal]131
Energy [kJ]548
Protein [g]20.35
Total lipid (fat) [g]4.84
Ash [g]1.44
Calcium, Ca [mg]147
Iron, Fe [mg]3.25
Magnesium, Mg [mg]41
Phosphorus, P [mg]174
Potassium, K [mg]383
Sodium, Na [mg]104
Zinc, Zn [mg]1.72
Copper, Cu [mg]0.21
Manganese, Mn [mg]0.07
Selenium, Se [µg]36.5
Thiamin [mg]0.06
Riboflavin [mg]0.26
Niacin [mg]14.02
Pantothenic acid [mg]0.65
Vitamin B-6 [mg]0.14
Folate, total [µg]9
Folate, food [µg]9
Folate, DFE [µg]9
Vitamin B-12 [µg]0.62
Vitamin A, RAE [µg]15
Retinol [µg]15
Vitamin A, IU [IU]50
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) [mg]0.57
Vitamin K (phylloquinone) [µg]0.1
Fatty acids, total saturated [g]1.28
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated [g]1.64
Cholesterol [mg]60
Tryptophan [g]0.23
Threonine [g]0.89
Isoleucine [g]0.94
Leucine [g]1.65
Lysine [g]1.87
Methionine [g]0.6
Cystine [g]0.22
Phenylalanine [g]0.79
Tyrosine [g]0.69
Valine [g]1.05
Arginine [g]1.22
Histidine [g]0.6
Alanine [g]1.23
Aspartic acid [g]2.08
Glutamic acid [g]3.04
Glycine [g]0.98
Proline [g]0.72
Serine [g]0.83