In addition to its gustative qualities, this fish is a food with a high nutritional value and has known healing qualities like the contribution of beneficial oils to the body (unsaturated fats) because they are exceptionally rich in fatty acids omega 3. These oils help to lower the cholesterol level and also contain iron which protects against anaemia.

The eel is rich in magnesium and proteins of good quality and it also contains:

• vitamin A : important for the sight and stamina
• vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5 : strengthen the skin and the stomach
• vitamin D : regularizes the metabolism of calcium; makes growth and bone density easier
• vitamin E: antioxydant considered to activate hormonal functioning and to slow down ageing
• DHA and EPA (omega 3): improve the cerebral capacities in particular memory and they decrease cholesterol

Food values and energy for 100g of grilled eel:

There is an eel day called “doyo no ushi no hi” which usually marks the hottest day of the year in Japan, originally the 18 day period before the summer equinox. Popular wisdom says that this day, having some eel gives you energy all summer long in order to support extreme heat.

But do not wait till that season to taste these tender fleshy delights...