Pangasius Bocourti is the binomial name of a fish which comes under catfish species and the Pangasiidae family, and its name is basa fish. According to some studies, the natives of basa fish are situated in Mainland Southeast Asia ( Chao Phraya and Mekong ). The demand for basa fish in the international market is so high. This fish is known as Bocourti and swai in Australia and North America.
Basa fish has a heavy, stout body, round head, and blunt snout. Its head is wider as compared to the length of its body. You can see its muzzle with a white band. Approximately 47 inches is this species’ maximum length, which is 120 centimetres. Its main food is plants. Flood season and onset season are spawning periods. Five centimetres is the average length of a young basa.
You can collect so much information about basa fish from the below article, like – basa fish in Malayalam, its cost, health benefits, nutritional value, popular basa fish recipes, and many more.
English name | Basa fish |
Malayalam name | Koori Vaala or Muzhu Meen |
Scientic name | Pangasius Bocourti |
Genus | Pangasius |
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Family | Pangasiidae |
Order | Siluriformes |
Class | Actinopterygii |
Basa fish in Malayalam name
Koori Vaala or Muzhu Meen is the Malayali name of basa fish. If you are in a good Malayali-telling area and want to purchase basa fish, you must ask the local people for Koori Vaala. Otherwise, they can’t understand.
But in case you are in a township of Kerala, Lakshadweep, Tamil Nadu, or Puducherry, then you can use its original name, basa. The city restaurant menu contains basa fish recipes, and the city fish market is also familiar with the name basa.
Basa fish is known as Swai or Bocourti in Australia and North America, Panga or Pangasius in the rest of Europe, and Pacific dory or Patin in the markets of Asia.
Product of Basa fish
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Nutritional value of basa fish
Like any other white fish, basa fish also has a good nutritional value. The meat of basa contains low calories naturally, and its protein proportion is vast and present in better quality.
By consuming basa fish, you can get a decent amount of EPA and DHA, omega-3 fatty acids. Omega – 3 fatty acid provides so many health benefits. But decreasing the irregular heartbeat occurrence and protecting the heart are two main benefits.
A serving of 100 grams of basa fish can provide –
Calories | 90 kcal |
Sodium | 50 mg |
Protein | 13 grams |
Cholesterol | 45 mg |
Saturated fat | 1.5 grams |
Fat | 4 grams |
Carbohydrates | 0 grams |
Health benefits of basa fish
1. Basa encourages weight loss in the human body
People who want to monitor their intake of calories and maintain a disciplined diet can consume basa fish. You can get only 60 to 80 calories from a 100-gram basa fish serving. Low-calorie intake helps to avoid adipose tissue bloating and accumulation of excessive fat. These factors help cut down excessive body fat from the thighs, stomach, arms, and hips. It also helps in lipid metabolism regulation and muscle building.
2. Basa fish is a superior protein source
The human body needs crucial amino acids to synthesize the essential proteins present in the body. Basa fish can provide all nine vital high-quality proteins or amino acids to the human body. The human body can’t manufacture intrinsically some vital amino acids, which are Threonine, methionine, histidine, leucine, isoleucine, lysine, phenylalanine, valine, and tryptophan. So you must intake these elements as a food source, including basa fish. Basa is a good example of a protein source of growth promotion. It can also restore damaged tissues.
3. Basa helps to live long
Compared to other oily fishes, basa is known as lean seafood. Omega – 3 fatty acids content in basa fish is very high. Basa helps to decrease the level of inflammation in the human body. Inflammation levels in the human body can increase due to external environmental elements and stress. Basa also helps to develop healthy eyesight in children and works as a protector of the heart.
4. Basa contains a very low amount of carbohydrates
You can add basa fish to some specified diet chart to see instant weight loss like a ketogenic diet because the carbohydrate content in basa fish is negligible. A ketogenic diet is generally based on fewer carbs and high fat. Basa can play an important role in such types of diets. You can keep yourself energized by eating basa fish as a meal.
5. Basa keeps your bone healthy
You can get ample vitamin D from a basa fish’s skin. It is an important source for the human body. It helps maintain vital minerals ( phosphorus and calcium ), keeps the blood level normal, and strengthens the bones. Steamed fillet of basa provides a requisite amount of vitamin D to the human body. So basa fish helps to prevent the risk of rickets ( children suffer from the weak bone problem ) and osteoporosis (adults suffer from fragility and bone loss ).
6. You can get essential minerals from basa
Potassium and zinc are minerals that help regulate some important functions of the human body. Basa fish contains both minerals. It loses its vital minerals if you fry or cook it on high flame. So you have to bake it or cook it on low flame. It is necessary to regulate the electrolyte balance in the human body’s cells, smooth nerve impulses transmission across the organs, and keep the muscles flexible in the system. Potassium helps so much to aid this function. Zinc helps promote wound healing by tissue injury, monitoring the synthesis of cells, and boosting immunity power.
7. Sodium content in basa fish is negligible
Your body can get 50 mg of sodium by consuming basa fish ( one fillet of basa per day ) for a week. High Sodium content is dangerous for people with high blood pressure issues. So consuming basa helps to decrease the significant salt intake and neutralize the blood flow in the body. Basa is a low-sodium fish that helps patients suffering from kidney problems and liver ailments.
8. Basa works as a brain protector
Basa fish has many vital vitamins like – vitamin B2, vitamin B12, and vitamin D. Myelin sheaths help to protect nerve cells and blood. It plays a very important role in the proper functioning of the brain. Vitamin B12 helps to prepare Myelin sheaths. According to some studies, vitamin B12 helps to regain memory loss, prevent Alzheimer’s disease, and provide blood with more oxygen to the brain’s cells.
Side effects of basa fish
There is a possibility of certain contaminant factors present in basa fish. You have to be aware of these. The possibilities are –
- The water source in which the breeding of basa fish occurs may be prone to infections. The basa may also carry germs from the water.
- Farmers may add pesticides to the water source during farming practices to kill the microbes. In this case, the base in the water source surely comes into contact with harsh chemicals.
- According to various food safety studies, the important reason for food poisoning is the strains of vibrio bacteria. The basa imported from other countries has these strains.
So you have to choose fresh basa fish from the market before buying. Another tip to avoid food poisoning related to basa is cooking it on high flame. Avoid eating raw or not well-cooked basa fish.
Cost of basa fish in malayalam areas
Basa is a type of popular catfish which is native to Southeast Asia. Its export charges are very low. You can harvest and grow basa fish at low expenditure. So its demand is also very high worldwide. The average range of basa fish in India is between Rs 180 to Rs 250 per kg, which anyone can buy and eat. You can buy frozen basa fillets at Rs 330 per kg and fresh basa at Rs 220 per kg in Lakshadweep.
The price of basa fish depends on its quality, packaging, form ( frozen or fresh ), buying area, etc. It comes with wide varieties of packaging like – thermocol boxes, plastic crates, vacuumed packs, carton boxes, etc.
Popularity and availability of basa fish in malayalam areas in India ( Lakshadweep, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, etc.)
In India, you can get a lot of basa fish from freshwater sources, especially from West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Maharashtra. The availability of this mild-flavoured and sweet fish is very easy worldwide, including in India. India is one of the top countries that export basa fish to foreign countries. So there is no worry about the deficiency of basa fish in India.
Due to its non-fishy smell, mild taste, and firm texture, basa is popular among Indians, including Malayali-telling people. Most Malayali-telling people live in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Lakshadweep. They love to prepare and consume basa fish. So many fish export companies, retailers, sellers, and suppliers are available from whom you can buy basa fish.
Famous recipes of basa fish in malayalam areas
Because of the great demand and easy availability of basa fish, many Indian restaurant menus include basa fish recipes. You can prepare so many dishes by using this versatile fish. Indian spices go very well with basa fish. Basa can be pan-fried, grilled, steamed, or baked as a versatile fish.
There are so many basa recipes available. Some famous basa fish recipes are – basa fish curry in coconut milk, pan-fried basa fillets, Indian-style basa fish curry, basa fish tawa fry, lemon pepper basa fish, spicy fish grilled basa fish, and many more.
Conclusion
If you don’t like eating meat, you can prefer eating fish. It is a good option to fulfil your protein requirement. Vital micronutrients and high quality proteins are the primary sources of basa fish. Due to its mouthwatering flavour, great texture, and affordable cost, basa has a great demand in the international fish market. The popularity of this species grows day by day. Its main work is to keep the human brain and heart healthy.
Although basa fish has many health benefits, you should have it once a week. You must avoid eating undercooked or raw basa. You can try different styles of cooking by using this versatile fish. Always prefer fresh basa over frozen if possible.
Let’s hope you got all the information about basa fish from the above article, like – basa fish in Malayalam, its health benefits, cost, nutritional value, recipes, availability, and popularity in the local area, and many more.
Frequently asked questions
Does basa fish help to lose weight?
People who want to monitor their consumption of calories and maintain a disciplined diet can consume basa fish. You can get only 60 to 80 calories from a 100 grams basa fish serving. Low-calorie intake helps to avoid adipose tissue bloating and accumulation of excessive fat. These factors help cut down excessive body fat from the thighs, stomach, arms, and hips. It also helps in lipid metabolism regulation and muscle building.
What are the benefits of consuming basa fish?
You can get various health benefits by adding basa fish to your regular diet. Some of the benefits are –
1. It helps to maintain and lose weight.
2. Basa fish helps promote a healthy heart.
3. You can consume basa to fulfil protein requirements.
4. It helps protect brain health.
5. It helps to keep the bone healthy and more vital.
6. Basa fish has less carbohydrate content.
7. Basa is beneficial for severe Asthmatic patients.
8. The contribution of Basa fish to longevity is high.
9. It provides necessary minerals.
What are the other popular names of basa fish?
Basa is kown for its Pangasiidae family. scientific name – ( Pangasius Bocourti). Some of its famous names worldwide are – Swai, Pangasius, River Cobbler, and Vietnamese cobbler. Basa fish is known as Swai or Bocourti in Australia and North America, Panga or Pangasius in the rest of Europe, and Pacific dory or Patin in the markets of Asia.