There are a lot of different kinds of fish that comprise the standard American seafood market, but some are definitely more popular, tasty, and healthy than others. Among the fish species that have these precise qualities in higher proportions, cod would have to be the winner. So versatile, so tasty, with such a pleasant texture, there are just too many things to do with cod to pass it up. Cooking cod is also relatively easy, which makes it all that much more attractive as an item at the supermarket.
Cod is a very lean fish: its flesh has large, firm slivers that retain there form very well, making cod ideal as a variety of fish to make breaded sticks or other fried options with. The leanness of the meat makes the cooking time relatively short, and this is one of the most convenient aspects of cod. In fact, cooking cod has to be one of the simplest operations, as opposed to cooking other larger and fattier species. Overcooking cod is a bad idea, as the excellent texture will be lost, producing a more rubbery texture. If you manage to get some fresh cod-perhaps Alaskan, as it is generally the tastiest-fillets, boneless, consider simply covering it in flour or corn starch and pan frying it with a little olive oil and garlic, with a little lemon and salt and pepper. As mentioned earlier, cod is particularly popular for creating fish sticks and larger fried fish fillets, and due to its low fat content doesn't result in an overbearingly greasy final product when served. Simply poaching cod for between 10 to 15 minutes (if whole, less if in pieces or fillets) can be particularly delicious.
As is the case with eating most kinds of seafood, especially those low in fat content like cod, the effects on your health will be positive, and inasmuch as you supplant your red meat consumption with seafood (aka cod!) consumption, you will begin to notice positive changes. So, be sure that you familiarize yourself with the various methods for cooking cod, and where and when it is available in your community. Of course, when you can't find it fresh, consider using it canned, as the benefits for your health are virtually the same.
