Credit crunch increases fish & chip sales

New statistics have shown that despite the credit crunch, fish and chip sales have increased for the first time in five years*. The number of people going to fast-food restaurants rose by 3.2 per cent in the first quarter of 2008 as more people chose to save money and spend the evening at home with a takeaway.

Fish is good for every part of the body - in its natural form it is low in fat and packed full of protein, vitamins and minerals and is renowned for its brain benefiting Omega-3 fatty acids. Unfortunately however, the most popular fish choices from the ‘chippie’ often lack in essential Omega-3s.

Research has been shown that Omega-3 can help in providing the building blocks for the nervous system, brain and eyes and is even important for maintaining heart health and circulation. Like minerals and certain vitamins, essential fatty acids like Omega-3 cannot be made by the body and therefore must be included in our diet.

Haddock and cod, which are most commonly used in fish and chip shops, are classed as ‘white’ fish, which do not contain as much of the essential Omega-3 present in the oily fish family. It is thought that what Omega-3 is contained in a chip shop fish is then further damaged by the deep-fat frying process.

Oily fish, such as mackerel, trout, salmon and sardines, are one of the richest sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, however for 80% of us who aren’t eating enough oily fish**, supplementation is a safe and convenient way to boost Omega-3 intake.

Efamol – manufacturers of the Omega-3 and 6 supplement, Efalex – has joined forces with leading nutritionist Fiona Hunter and Seafish*** to produce ‘Fish for Thought’, a handy guide full of tips and tricks to help you incorporate more fish into your diet. The guide provides lots of practical advice, hints and tips on buying, storing and cooking delicious recipes that the whole family will love.

For free copies of ‘Fish for Thought’ or for more information about Efalex, log on to efamol.com.

Efamol has been a producer of essential fatty acid supplements for almost 30 years, and the advanced range includes Efalex which contains an advanced combination of fish oil and evening primrose oil providing the Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids required for normal brain structure and formation.

Efalex is available in easy to swallow capsules priced from £6.99 and natural lemon and lime flavour liquid priced from £7.49. Efalex is available from Waitrose, Tesco, Boots, Holland & Barrett, independent health food stores and pharmacies, and online from efamol.com.

* According to figures released by Seafish, the authority on seafood.
** Efamol survey, 2007
*** The Sea Fish Industry Authority. For further information, visit seafish.org