When processing fish, many people often remove the skin because they think it is fatty or has no nutritional value. However, the fish skin contains protein and collagen, and some types of fish also provide beneficial fats. If cleaned and processed properly, this part can completely become part of the meal instead of being discarded.
Fish is one of the sources of high-quality protein. Fish, along with eggs, milk and soybeans, are classified as foods that provide protein with good biological value for the body.
Fish skin is a commonly discarded part but contains collagen. For example, tilapia skin is rich in collagen, which can be used as a raw material for extracting collagen peptides for food production and nutritional products.
Collagen is an important structural protein of the body. However, this does not mean that eating fish skin will directly "supplement collagen" to the liver or other organs. After eating, the protein is still digested into amino acids and peptides for the body to absorb.
More notably, fish in general may be in a diet that is beneficial for liver health. Nutrition and liverology experts recommend eating fish, shrimp and lean meat, while limiting sugar, alcohol and fatty foods.
At the 2025 Liver Health Nutrition Understanding Conference in China, experts also emphasized that diet is an important part of liver protection, especially controlling sugar levels, choosing healthy fats and limiting alcohol.
Therefore, if you have a habit of removing fish skin, consumers can consider keeping it in suitable types of fish. However, it is necessary to clean thoroughly, remove the burnt or abnormally smelly skin and prioritize processing methods such as steaming, boiling, braising or grilling moderately instead of frying deep in oil.
One point to clarify is that there is no basis to assert that eating fish skin has the effect of treating or restoring liver function. The benefit lies in the fact that fish provides protein and nutrients in a balanced diet.
Experts warn that the concept of "eating which part to nourish that part", for example, eating liver to nourish the liver, is not scientifically based. To protect the liver, experts recommend prioritizing a balanced diet, high in vegetables, whole grains, fish and lean meat; and limit alcohol, sugary foods and maintain exercise.
