The Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) is one of the most widely caught fish in the world. Known for the taste and nutritional qualities of its flesh and its "good fats", the related by-products, however, remain scarcely consumed despite their incredible richness. This is particularly the case with the milt of this precious pelagic fish.
What is fish milt?
Milt is the sperm secreted by the genital glands of male fish during the breeding season, covering the eggs with a kind of white, soft pouch (reminiscent of milk, hence the name milt) to fertilize them.
Milt, a functional food
Traditionally consumed as a food in Asian countries, it is used to enhance the taste of certain dishes or as a physical and mental invigorator. In Europe, milt appeared on plates in the early 1800s, when renowned gourmets began to offer it in certain recipes.
For several decades, scientists have been interested in it as a dietary supplement. Particularly rich in nutrients, milt is called a functional food. Functional foods are defined by Health Canada as foods that provide superior physiological benefits or reduce the risk of chronic disease, beyond their basic nutritional functions.
A multitude of vitamins, minerals and trace elements
Herring milt contains several elements vital to the body: calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, zinc, vitamins A, C, D, group B vitamins, and more
Its naturally balanced composition promotes the bioavailability of its active compounds. Perfectly tolerated, it has no known side effects.
Focus on phosphorus
Herring milt owes its virtues in large part to its highly assimilable phosphorus.
Of paramount importance, phosphorus is the second most abundant mineral in the body. 85% localized in bones and teeth, which provides strength, it is associated with calcium, in the form of calcium phosphate, also called hydroxyapatite.
Still in the form of phosphate, a basic (alkaline) molecule, phosphorus has the ability to buffer the acidity of plasma in order to maintain optimal blood pH. In the event of low body stocks of phosphates, these are unfortunately withdrawn from the skeleton, gradually weakening it and extending the time for acid neutralization.
A quintessential energizer, phosphorus is one of the key constituents of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), a molecule used by the body to store energy. More precisely, it is the most rapidly available source of energy for the cell.
Precious proteins and amino acids
The protein and amino acid content of herring milt is impressive. Arginine, in particular, is present at 15%. This amino acid is a precursor to the synthesis of nitric oxide, a molecule involved in the relaxation of vascular walls, allowing better cellular oxygenation and regulation of blood pressure.
Arginine is also a precursor to creatine, a compound that plays an essential role in muscle energy metabolism and helps the body build energy.
It is by acting in concert with magnesium that arginine, phosphorus and vitamin B1, contained in milt, allow better resistance to overwork and gradually increase overall vitality.
DNA, a fundamental element of life
Herring milt is loaded with marine DNA. Very close to human DNA, it constitutes a prefabricated element of high biological value and represents real food for the cell. Capable of tissue specificity, marine DNA can thus participate in the construction and renewal of all types of cells and organs.
Thanks to the enrichment of the reserves of all the cells of the organism, the contribution DNA initially allows the slow and progressive awakening of the cellular metabolism, an increased resistance of the tissues to attacks, as well as a general slowing down of all degenerative phenomena. In the longer term, organic regeneration will follow, allowing the improvement of all functions, including cerebral functions.
Marine DNA will thus be useful in many cases: growth, healing, bone consolidation (osteoporosis, fracture, surgery), early aging, chronic fatigue, convalescence ...
Marine DNA also has high antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune stimulating properties.
"Good fats", in good proportions
The diets of Western populations are known to be deficient in omega-3s and contain excessive amounts of omega-6s being stored by the body.
Herring milt, by virtue of its unique lipid profile, has an exceptionally high omega-3 / omega-6 ratio compared to other products made from fish and shellfish.
In this regard, numerous studies have shown that a diet with a high omega-3 / omega-6 ratio reduces the risk of developing certain cancers and other cardiovascular, inflammatory and immune diseases.
Where to find herring milt
The products in the Miviton line as well as the Laitan and Osepia products from Holizen contain wild herring milt from environmentally responsible fishing, from the North Atlantic.
References
Calder, P.C. & Grimble, R.F. (2002). Polyinsaturated fatty acids, inflammation, and immunity. Eur J Clin Nutr; 56: S14-S19.
S.A. El Sohaimy. (2012). Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals-Modern Approach to Food Science. World Applied Sciences Journal; 20 (5): 691-708.
Robin, J.M. (2002). Valorisation santé des produits de la mer: coproduits, compléments alimentaires, suppléments nutritionnels, suppléments botaniques, aliments fonctionnels, cosmétiques. 1er Symposium International NUTRITION SANTÉ MER, Granville, France, 23,24 & 25 mai.
Simopoulos, A.P. (2002). The Importance of the Ratio of Omega-6/Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids. Biomed Pharmacother; 56 (8): 365-379.
