What are the health benefits of masago? Masago is considered a forage fish and it is a food source for codfish, whales, and seabirds. It is common for masago to be used as an ingredient in sushi rolls and the color is typically pale yellow. It is harvested from female capelin fish before it has to spawn. Smelt roe, which is also known as masago, belong to the smelt family.

What are the health benefits of masago? Istock
The Nutrient Facts of Masago is low in calories:
- Calories- 40
- Fat-2 grams
- Protein- 6 grams
- Carbs- less than one gram
- Vitamin C- 7% of the DV
- Vitamin E- 10% of the DV
- Riboflavin- 12% of the DV
- Vitamin B-12- 47% of the DV
- Folate- B-9- 6% of the DV
- Phosphorus-11% of the DV
- Selenium- 16% of the DV
Masago is considered a fish roe and although it is high in Vitamin B-12. You can only get Vitamin B-12 from food or supplements because your body cannot make it on its own. Fish roe/masago contains a lot of amino acids which your body needs such as lysine, valine, histidine, leucine, isoleucine, and phenylalanine. Leucine and lysine are essential amino acids for building and repairing muscle.
Masago contains a solid source of selenium and acts as a powerful antioxidant in the body. It plays a critical role in thyroid and immune function. Because of the amount of B-12 this will help with nerve health and energy production which is critical to what your body needs.
Masago is high in omega 3 fatty acids, and this is an important nutrient that will increase your overall health. Research studies have suggested that it will lower your risk of heart and coronary disease. This dietary fat will help with regulating inflammation as well as control blood clotting.
Another health benefit to eating masago is it is low in mercury. And if you are eating a fish low in mercury then you have minimal heavy metal exposure.
One of the downsides of eating Masago is that it is high in sodium. And an overconsumption of salt intake can give you high blood pressure and negatively affect your health. Because Masago is a fish it can give allergic reactions to people that have seafood allergies. And those allergies can include rashes, low blood pressure or the narrowing of airways.
“Another health benefit to eating Masago is it is low in mercury. And if you are eating a fish low in mercury then you have minimal heavy metal exposure.” Celebrity Fitness & Nutrition Expert Obi Obadike
The Bottom Line is masago is a fish that is loaded with Vitamin B12, selenium, protein, omega 3 fatty acids and other nutrients that will improve your overall health.
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