Tag: Eating fish bones

A 100-gram serving of cooked sardines provides over 38% of the daily recommended intake of calcium, largely concentrated in the bones. This fact prompts many to ask: can you eat the bones in fresh sardines to reap these benefits, and is it truly safe?

According to a study published in the journal *Nutrition & Metabolism*, calcium from enzymatically rinsed cod and salmon bones was demonstrated to be a well-absorbed source of the mineral in healthy young men. For centuries, many cultures have embraced a "nose-to-tail" or, in this case, "fin-to-tail" approach to eating, leading many to question if there is any benefit to eating fish bones.

According to registered dietitians, the bones in tinned fish are not only safe to eat but also highly nutritious, making them a valuable source of calcium. The high-pressure canning process softens these bones, which means that yes, you are supposed to eat the bones in canned mackerel for an added nutritional boost.

The high-heat, high-pressure canning process softens the bones in salmon so much that they become completely edible. This often leads people to ask, "do you eat the bones in canned salmon," and the answer is not only yes, but that doing so can provide a significant boost of calcium and other nutrients.

During the high-heat, high-pressure canning process, the tiny, delicate bones in anchovies are cooked to the point of being soft and easily digestible. So, do you eat the bones in canned anchovies? The answer is a resounding yes, and doing so comes with significant nutritional rewards.