Tag: Fish scales

Research indicates that fish scales contain valuable compounds like collagen, peptides, and minerals. This has sparked the question: is fish scale healthy, or are its benefits only available through processing?

While often discarded as waste, recent research reveals fish scales are rich in valuable compounds such as Type I collagen, hydroxyapatite, and chitin. These components have prompted studies into their potential health benefits, raising the question: are fish scales good for health? The answer lies not in eating them directly, but in understanding their potential as a source for high-value nutraceutical products.

While fish skin can be a delicious and nutritious addition to many dishes, fish scales are a different matter. So, is it okay to eat scales from fish? The short answer is they are technically edible when cooked, but most people prefer not to due to their tough and unpleasant texture.

Historically, a substance called guanine derived from crushed fish scales was used to create a shimmering, pearlescent effect in some cosmetics. This has led many to question, 'does lip balm have fish scales?'

Globally, a significant amount of fish waste, including scales, is discarded annually, but are these scales unsafe to eat? The answer depends on several factors.

An estimated 7.2–12 million tons of fish waste are discarded globally each year, including large quantities of scales. While we safely consume many other parts of a fish, the scales are overwhelmingly avoided by human diets for a combination of biological and culinary reasons.

A significant amount of collagen, a structural protein, is found in fish byproducts. These byproducts account for up to 75% of the total fish weight, and the connective tissues are the primary source of this protein.

Repurposing fish scales for collagen production is a sustainable practice. Studies show tilapia fish scales contain a significant amount of high-quality collagen, making them a valuable and eco-friendly source for supplements.

According to food experts, fish scales, including those from salmon, are technically safe to consume when thoroughly cooked. However, most diners actively choose not to eat them due to an unpalatable and unpleasant texture.

According to research published in the journal *Marine Drugs*, some types of fish contain more collagen in their scales than their skin, making scales a surprisingly rich source. This discovery challenges the common perception that skin is the primary collagen-rich part and provides valuable insight for sourcing marine collagen.