Cod seems to be a good protein source for diabetics and insulin resistant individuals.
In a study on humans, most of whom were prediabetics, a 4-week diet with cod instead of red meat, eggs, milk, and milk products, increased insulin sensitivity more than 30%, a good thing. 50
Insulin secretion also improved on the cod diet.50 Moreover, inflammation was reduced by the cod diet.51
The reason why cod was healthier is not entirely clear, but may be thanks to its lower iron content.
Reducing other animal protein sources and increasing cod intake seems like a good idea. However, as mentioned in the discussion on chicken, it’s probably best to keep total protein intake at normal levels, not high.
- Ouellet V, Marois J, Weisnagel SJ, Jacques H. Dietary cod protein improves insulin sensitivity in insulin-resistant men and women: a randomized controlled trial. Diabetes Care. Nov 2007;30(11):2816-2821.
- Ouellet V, Weisnagel SJ, Marois J, et al. Dietary cod protein reduces plasma C-reactive protein in insulin-resistant men and women. J Nutr. Dec 2008;138(12):2386-2391.