Most people associate black caviar with swanky parties and champagne, but it’s much more than just a cocktail party cracker topping. Black caviar is simply sturgeon roe — or fish eggs — tiny little balls that contain contain vitamins and minerals that nourish the unborn fish. Some of these nutrients boost immune function. That said, you shouldn’t rely heavily on black caviar as an immune booster. It’s moderately high in calories and very high in prich. A balanced diet that includes fresh fruit and vegetables provides the same benefit without the impact on your wallet or waistline.
Black Caviar Vitamins
Vitamins A,C and E are famous for their immune-boosting effects. Vitamin A plays a role in the growth of all cells, and Vitamin E helps your body produce the cells that create antibodies, and prevents cell membrane degradation that leaves them vulnerable to viruses. Adults need 2,333 to 3,000 IU of vitamin A and 15 milligrams of vitamin E per day. An ounce of black caviar — about a tablespoon — provides 257 IU of vitamin A and about half a milligram of vitamin E.
Black Caviar Minerals
Zinc is the most famous immune-boosting mineral and is commonly added to cough drops and cold remedies. It helps your body make more white blood cells when needed, and helps them release the necessary amount of antibodies when a “bad germ” is detected. An ounce of black caviar contains about 0.27 milligrams of the 15 milligrams of zinc you need daily, You can get more zinc from fortified cereals and meats. Keep in mind that consuming more than 75 milligrams of zinc per day can actually work against your immune system, so extra isn’t better. Black caviar also contains 18.6 micrograms of selenium and 3.37 milligrams of iron per ounce, both of which work to boost blood cell production to help fight off invading viruses and bacteria.
Black Caviar Essential Fats
Of the “good fats,” omega-3 fatty acids are known to benefit the immune system by producing a group of chemicals called eicosanoids, which act as messengers between cells during an immune response. They also help regulate the body’s inflammatory response to an irritant, which could otherwise overreact to a minor trigger and make you feel sicker than you actually are. Black caviar contains about 1,000 milligrams of both EPA and DHA per one-ounce serving — adults only need up to 1,500 milligrams per day.
Red Caviar Benefits
Cured Salmon roe or red caviar as it’s commonly known is a top-notch seafood dainty for sure, although many do not realize that it is much more than just a celebrated delicacy for festive occasions. Caviar makes a stylish adornment to any main course while enhancing and complementing palate bouquet of other dishes. All this and it’s good for our health too!
Naturally roe is intended for creating and supplying with nourishment new life. Out of the small egg emerges fry that is destined to become the great ocean-going salmon. High quantities of essential nutrients necessary for healthy development of living organisms are concentrated in salmon roe. Vitamins A, C, and D along with a large number of minerals are but the tip of an iceberg, for salmon roe oil, which constitutes up to 15% of the product, is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. These very acids have been proven to be beneficial to the cardiovascular system, eye health, and brain function as well as general well-being of the immune system. Moreover Omega-3 an excellent reducer of the risk of breast, colon and prostate cancers, that also provides protection from stroke and heart attack. Patients recovering from surgery and chemotherapy are strongly advised to include caviar in their diet due to its high hemoglobin content. It’s clear therefore that caviar should be most desirable by those conscious of their health for its abundance of nutrients and potential benefits.
Caviar Beauty Benefits
You may think of caviar as just an expensive delicacy for the rich and famous. But did you know that caviar actually has major beauty benefits?
Don’t worry, we’re not telling you to put raw fish eggs on your face (although some spas do offer facials that do just that!). The benefits come from the extract of caviar, says dermatologist Michelle Henry, M.D., usually from sturgeon eggs—although she notes some companies may use extracts from roe of other varieties of fish used for caviar. They may not be the cheapest buys, but man, caviar-infused products can deliver some gorgeous results.
Here are three perks you can expect from using products with caviar extract:
Minimized fine lines
Caviar’s number one benefit? Its anti-aging properties. “Caviar extract contains antioxidant properties to protect skin against dangerous UVA and UVB rays,” explains Henry. “This helps to prevent against collagen and elastin breakdown.” It works wonders on lessening the appearance of wrinkles.
Learn about some of the crazy beauty treatments women have used over the years (even crazier than caviar!)
Moisturized, glowing skin
“Caviar extract can be quite moisturizing,” says Henry. It contains hydrating elements such as the fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6. “Omega-3 and omega-6 play an important role in the integrity and barrier function of the skin,” she says. They provide moisture and leave behind a beautiful glow, making skin appear more radiant and youthful. (We also like this rejuvenating face mist to freshen up during the day.)
Hydrated, shiny hair
Caviar extract also provides great anti-aging benefits to your hair, says Henry. “The UV protective and moisturizing properties that help improve the texture and quality of the skin also help the hair,” she explains. “Products containing caviar extract will deliver hydration and increase the shine of hair strands.” So think: full, soft, shiny locks.
Can Caviar Cure Depression?
It might sound a little fishy, but there is growing evidence that caviar can help chase away the blues. Early research suggests that people suffering from depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental health problems can benefit from diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids — found in abundance in certain types of fish.
In one study, people with bipolar disorder — previously known as manic depression — had significantly fewer depressive episodes when their diets were supplemented with omega-3. And earlier research comparing 10 countries found that depression was much lower in areas where fish is a dietary staple.
Omega-3 — abundant in cold-water fish (such as salmon and mackerel), some nuts, and flaxseed — has already been shown to protect against heart disease. The evidence is so strong that the American Heart Association now recommends eating salmon or tuna at least twice a week. Studies also indicate that the fatty acid may benefit people with rheumatoid arthritis, stomach or intestinal diseases, and even certain cancers.
We know that omega-3 is good for your body, and there is certainly enough evidence to suggest there is at least something there to improve mood,” says Andrew Stoll, MD, who directs the psychopharmacology research lab at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Mass. “Almost every patient in my practice has tried [fish oil] supplements, and most are still on them.”
In a 1999 study, Stoll and colleagues gave 30 patients with bipolar disorder either 10 grams of omega-3-rich fish oil capsules a day (the equivalent of 30 cans of tuna), or placebo capsules containing olive oil. All of the participants had experienced bipolar episodes within the previous year, and all but eight were on medication during the study. People with bipolar disorder have episodes of depression alternating with times of mania — when their bodies are so revved up and hyper that they can’t even sleep.
After four months, half of the patients given placebo capsules had relapsed into depression, compared to just two of the 15 patients taking fish oil supplements. Stoll is now conducting a four-year study involving 120 patients in an effort to confirm the results. And he says several other studies examining fish oil and depression should be published soon.
“Our earliest study used very high doses, but it looks like 1 to 2 grams per day of EPA, which is the active ingredient in fish oil, is all you need,” Stoll tells WebMD. “But all fish oil supplements are not equal, so you have to read the labels to find out how much EPA [one type of fish oil] you are getting.”
Salmon, mackerel, sardines, and anchovies are the fish with the highest amounts of omega-3, Stoll says.
A serving of salmon contains about a gram of omega-3. Certain brands of eggs are also rich in omega-3, and flaxseed and walnuts are also good dietary sources.
While some heart studies suggest that food sources are more protective than supplements, most people in this country get very little omega-3 in their daily diets. In that case, Stoll favors supplements and recommends that people take vitamin E and C as well. He has written a book on the health benefits of fish oil titled The Omega-3 Connection.
“Omega-3 is not intended to replace other medications for depression,” Stoll says. “But the evidence is mounting that it can play a role in treatment. And there is no downside to eating an omega-3-rich diet.”
The Downside
Price isn’t the only reason black caviar is eaten in bite-size servings — each ounce contains 75 calories. That’s more calorie-dense than a cookie. The salty flavor doesn’t lie, either — that single ounce also contains 425 milligrams of sodium, which is about as much as you would find in a can of soup. If you enjoy caviar, feel good about knowing that your quick bite at the cocktail party might do your immune system some good, but don’t try to use it daily as a dietary supplement. A balanced diet that includes lean protein and fresh fruits and vegetables will provide a far greater benefit in terms of vitamin and mineral content.