What is the European Sea Bass?

The European sea bass, also called Dicentrarchus labrax or Morone labrax, is a salty and brackish water fish, belonging to the family and to the genus Dicentrarchus moronidae. It is called European sea bass in the peninsula, probably in reference to the tips of the rays of the dorsal fin ( "spike"). In Northern Italy, on the other hand, it is defined bass, presumably because its gills are quite visible. It is present in the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

 

What are the nutritional properties of the European sea bass?

100 g of European sea bass provide 82 Calories broken down as follows:

  • 81% protein
  • 17% fat
  • 2% carbohydrates

 

In particular, 100 grams of European sea bass provide:

  • 79 g of water
  • 16.5 g of protein
  • 1.5 g lipids
  • 0.6 g of soluble sugars

 

Among the vitamins and minerals, 100 g of European sea bass provide:

  • 0.11 mg thiamine
  • 0.16 mg of riboflavin
  • 15 micrograms of vitamin A (retinol equivalent)
  • trace of vitamin C
  • 307 g of potassium
  • 20 mg calcium
  • 202 mg of phosphorous
  • 4 , 1 mg of iron
  • 29 mg of magnesium
  • 2.1 mg zinc
  • 0.7 mg of copper
  • 9 micrograms of folate

 

When should you not eat European sea bass?

There are no known conditions when the consumption of sea bass could interfere with medications or other substances.

 

European sea bass seasonality

In Italy, the fish can be found throughout the year, except during the months of March, August, October and November.

 

Possible benefits and contraindications

The European sea bass is a lean fish, recommended for those who follow a low-calorie diet. In addition to being easily digestable, it is rich in protein and contains folate, for which its consumption is also recommended during pregnancy. Folic acid can, in fact, reduce the risk by up to 70% of child birth defect developments. The sea bass contains omega 3 fatty acids, so it can help you keep tabs on triglycerides and blood pressure. Moreover, thanks to the high presence of potassium it helps to counter hypertension. Bass is also rich in phosphorus, which fosters memory and the proper development of bones and teeth. Finally, according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the regular intake of this food can reduce cancer mortality by up to 64% and prostate cancer by up to 50%.

 

The consumption of sea bass is of course not recommended for people suffering from intolerance to fish.