It is surprising that most people do not like to eat carp even though it can offer several health benefits. The real problem is not whether you can eat carp. The problem is whether you like to eat carp because many people do not like its taste.
Carp is an oily fish that is often despised for its typically muddy taste. But, there are several good reasons why you should eat carp. Want to know them? Read on to find how eating carp could do a lot of good to your health.
Why you must eat carp?
Improves heart functions
The high levels of healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids in carp could protect your heart and regulate heart rate. The perfect balance of omega-3s and omega-6s in carp could help to prevent plaque build-up and thus, lower the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition known to increase the risk of heart attacks. 
Carp are rich in several essential minerals, vitamins and other nutrients including phosphorus, vitamin B12, fatty acids, proteins, and antioxidants. The unique nutritional profile of carp makes it a highly desirable food for health-conscious people.
If you suffer from joint pains, including carp in your diet could help you derive relief as it contains omega-3 fatty acids that can control inflammation in the joints.
There is evidence to prove that omega-3 fatty acids can also slow down the development of osteoarthritis.
Carp is rich in a mineral called Zinc that can support the immune system functions. It could help reduce the risk of infections and allergies by promoting the body’s natural defense functions linked to immunity. 
Protects digestive tract
Inflammation in the stomach and intestine can lead to several health conditions such as peptic ulcers, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease. 
You can control inflammation in the digestive tract and prevent the symptoms of these diseases by including carp in your diet.
Omega-3 fatty acids in carp can also help to promote digestive functions and ease bloating, nausea, and digestive discomfort.
Relieves respiratory symptoms
Research studies have shown that a rich concentration of vitamins and minerals in carp could support your respiratory health.
It can help to ease breathing and thus, provide relief from a number of respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis, and pneumonia. It can also reduce swelling and inflammation in the respiratory tract and speed healing to the damaged areas.
Carp are definitely good to eat and you should include this fish in your diet. It can be prepared in several different ways. Carp, being an oily fish, could be great to make a fish fry. Also, when done correctly, carp meat would come out quite moist with a subtle smoky flavor without any hint of its ‘fishy’ and ‘muddy’ taste.
- Steffens, W., Wirth, M. Influence of nutrition on the lipid quality of pond fish: common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and tench (Tinca tinca). Aquacult Int 15, 313–319 (2007) doi:10.1007/s10499-007-9088-z.
2. A H Shankar, A S Prasad, Zinc and immune function: the biological basis of altered resistance to infection, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 68, Issue 2, August 1998, Pages 447S–463S, https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/68.2.447S.
3. Kamel, and Samar. “Cadmium, Copper, Zinc and Iron Accumulation in Aquatic Food Chains.” E, January 1, 1970. http://othes.univie.ac.at/13985/.