Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like salmon, are associated with increased grey matter volume in areas of the brain commonly linked to mood and behavior according to a University of Pittsburgh study.This is pretty crazy, because when I first began eating fish I discovered that the day after eating fish I was always happy--regardless of how the day went. Some days I had a really positive attitude, and for me it was mind-boggling. I finally tracked it down to having eaten fish the day before. Nowadays the result isn't so strong--I don't notice it at all, but it's interesting to uncover scientific research that creates some basis for explanation of my own experiences.
The Torah corollary is plain: The Talmud says there's no שמחה (happiness) without meat and fish. We learn from this statement that it is important to eat meat and/or fish on Shabbath and holidays. It isn't a real celebration without fish and/or meat.
Fish especially are associated with many positive spiritual attributes, their always-open eyes are said to ward off the evil eye. Similarly, the fact that they dwell under the water (ie. out of sight) protects them from the evil eye. Rebbe Akiva also compares the Jews and Torah to fish and water, one can't survive without the other.
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