
According to a new study, eating fish - mackerel and sardines - during pregnancy can help the child develop a better IQ. Although it was known for some time now the benefits of eating fish, analysis of more than 14 000 mothers and their children suggests they are even more important than previously realized.
Dr Joseph Hibbeln from America's National Institute of Health found that the children of women who had eaten fish during their pregnancies, had a great verbal IQs, as well as fine-motor skills, such as the ability to handle small objects, and hand-to-eye co-ordination.
Another study which was led by Elaine Hardman, shows that women who eat oily fish during pregnancy - a few servings a week - could be protecting their daughters against breast cancer and even cut the chances of developing the disease later in life. However, it warns pregnant women against eating marlin, shark and swordfish, which contain high levels of mercury, which can affect the baby's nervous system.
Oily fish has also been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, and research published last month showed it could also help in the fight against cancer by providing a large dose of vitamin D.