You probably never thought you’d hear this from me, but here we are. Why you should eat fish heads. Yes, fish heads.
I know, I know! You’re rolling your eyes and pulling a face, maybe even wondering if I chew on the eyeballs. First things first, I do not eat the eyes. Maybe one day, but not yet.
The truth is, fish heads are a hidden treasure of the ocean, absolutely packed with nutrients most people throw away.
Let’s break it down.
1. Omega-3 fatty acids.
Fish heads have even more omega-3s than the fillet. These essential fats are amazing for your brain, your heart, and your mood. And if you’re a mum juggling life on five hours of sleep, that little mental boost is everything.
2. Collagen and gelatin.
The stuff in the cheeks? That’s collagen gold. It’s brilliant for your skin, joints and gut, a natural anti-ageing secret weapon.
3. Calcium and minerals.
Simmer those heads into a broth and you’ll get a sea-style version of bone broth. It supports bones, nails, and hair and if you’re over 40 like me (I’m 47), that collagen and calcium boost is something we all need.
Now, I know fish heads aren’t the sexiest dinner item. You don’t need to serve them at a party, and forget the knife and fork, you’ll have to get in there with your hands to get the good bits. It’s worth it.
But here’s the thing, you don’t need to munch the whole head like a wild animal (unless you want to). You can:
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Simmer them with ginger, garlic, herbs and veg into a nourishing fish broth
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Use them in a soup
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Make a spicy fish head curry (if you’re feeling bold)
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Or my favourite – season them with salt, pepper, herbs and pop them straight in the oven for 30 minutes. Done.
Quick tips to get started:
Ask your fishmonger for a wild, fresh fish head. They usually throw them away, they’re free! Just be a gentlewoman and buy something else too, don’t just grab the head and run.
Go for medium-sized fish to avoid mercury buildup (though let’s be honest, you’re not doing this daily, once or twice a month is perfect). And yes, you can freeze them if you’re not ready to use them right away.
This isn’t about perfection or becoming a MasterChef. It’s about making one better choice for your health.
So let’s be brave together. Try something new. Laugh at yourself if you mess it up. Know that you’re doing something incredible for your body.
And don’t forget to take our apple cider vinegar supplements before meals. They support weight loss and gut health by reducing insulin spikes by almost 30%.
If this gave you a “Maybe I can do that” moment, share it with another fabulous mum. And of course, check out our collagen supplements for skin, hair, nails and joints.
-- Written by Hala, founder of Dietapplements
