Freshwater Eels

Freshwater eels

4 oz eel (uncooked) contains:

264 cal;
18 gm protein (complete);
21 gm fat;
20 gm calcium;
229 mg phosphorus;
.8 mg iron,
1825 units A;
.25 mg B-1;
.415 mg B-2;
1.55 mg niacin;
4.7 gm saturated fatty acids.

Unlike most other fish, eels are quite high in calories and saturated fats and are among the fattest of all fish, so they are not recommended for weight or cholesterol watchers. Eels do provide a good amount of vitamin A, which is essential during pregnancy and breast feeding and is necessary for the health of the mucus membranes of the sinuses, lungs, bronchial tubes, and middle ear; it is also an aid against infections, dry skin and hair, acne and blackheads, and eye problems such as night blindness and sensitivity to bright lights. Eel is also a good source of B vitamins, which are necessary for growth and for energy. Because eels may be freshwater eels or ocean fish depending upon their age and season, they vary in the amounts of trace minerals they may provide.