Health and Me

Ishita Srivastava

Budget 2026: Why Cheaper Fish Could Mean a Healthier Brain

Finance Minister Nirmala <span>Sitharaman</span> has announced a surprising tax reduction for India's fishers and marine industry, and experts say it is good news for you too. 

Until now, fish caught by Indian vessels beyond territorial waters and brought back to the country for mass consumption has been treated as import, attracting customs duties and integrated goods and services tax (GST). 

The combined tax burden raises costs and compliance issues, which discouraged people from  deep-sea and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) fishing as well as 

However, during her <span>Union Budget 2026</span> presentation, Sitharaman proposed that fish caught in the EEZ and high seas by Indian fishing vessels are treated as duty-free when brought into Indian ports and treated as exports when landed at foreign ports.

This means that the market availability for Omega-3 packed fishes including <span>salmon</span>, mackerel, tuna, herring and sardines will significantly increase as their existing steep prices see a tremendous fall. 

<h2>What Are <span rel="noindex">Fish Oil</span> Omega-3s?</h2>

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats known for their crucial role in brain function and overall mental health. Fish oil is particularly rich in <span>EPA</span> and <span>DHA</span>, which are vital components of cell membranes and have strong anti-inflammatory effects in the body.

These omega-3s play a critical role in human development, and they are primarily found in fatty fish and fish oil. Since many people do not consume enough fish, supplementation is often recommended to ensure adequate intake of these essential fatty acids.

Although the body can convert another type of omega-3, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), into EPA and DHA, this process is not highly efficient. As a result, fish oil supplements may provide a convenient way to ensure optimal levels of omega-3s.

<strong>READ MORE: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/nhs-doctor-says-this-oil-instead-of-cod-liver-is-the-best-omega-3-source-article-153543873" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">NHS Doctor Says This Oil Instead of Cod Liver Is The Best Omega-3 Source</a>

<strong>Some popular sources of Omega-3 include:</strong>

<ul><li>Salmon </li><li>Cod Liver Oil </li><li>Algae Oil </li><li>Oysters </li><li>Nuts and seeds, such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts</li><li>Plant oils, such as flaxseed oil, soybean oil, and canola oil</li><li>Fortified foods, such as eggs, yogurt, juices, milk, etc.</li></ul><h2>How Omega-3s Improves Brain Health</h2>

EPA and DHA are essential for maintaining brain function throughout life. These fatty acids are abundant in the brain's cell membranes, helping to preserve cell health and facilitate communication between brain cells.

Research has shown that a lack of omega-3 can lead to cognitive impairments. In animal studies, diets deficient in omega-3s resulted in reduced DHA levels in the brain, leading to deficits in learning and memory. In older adults, lower DHA levels have been linked to a smaller brain size, which may indicate accelerated brain ageing.

Maintaining sufficient levels of omega-3s can help support cognitive function and may reduce the risk of age-related brain decline.

The optimal dosage varies, but research suggests that 1,000–2,000 mg of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil daily is a good starting point. People with depression should look for supplements with higher EPA content. It is pertinent to note that people should consult health experts before starting fish oil supplementation.

<h2>Import Duty Decreased On Cancer Drugs</h2>Cancer drugs are medications, including chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and hormone therapies, used to kill cancer cells, slow growth, or relieve symptoms. Some popular medications include Cisplatin, Paclitaxel, Doxorubicin and Pembrolizumab (Keytruda), most of which are imported into India.

These imported, specialized cancer treatments, particularly targeted therapies and monoclonal antibodies, often cost thousands, placing a massive financial burden on patients, leading to lifelong debts.

In this year's Union Budget, Sitharaman also proposed reducing import duty tax on 17 cancer drugs and seven medicines for rare diseases, which will in turn, help patients seek proper care on a timely basis.

Deshmukh commented: "India is witnessing a steady and alarming rise in cancer cases, where late detection, prolonged treatment and high medicine costs often lead to preventable complications and loss of life. Against this backdrop, the Union Budget’s decision to remove customs duty on 17 cancer drugs and 7 medicines for rare diseases stands out as a truly progressive and patient-first measure.

"Affordability remains one of the biggest hurdles in cancer care, forcing many families to delay or discontinue treatment. By reducing import duties, this move has the potential to significantly lower the cost of advanced and targeted therapies, making them accessible to a larger section of patients."

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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a surprising tax reduction for India's fishers and marine industry, and experts say it is good news for you too. Until now, fish caught by Indian vessels beyond territorial waters and brought back to the country for mass consumption has been treated as import, attracting customs duties and integrated goods and services tax (GST). The combined tax burden raises costs and compliance issues, which discouraged people from  deep-sea and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) fishing as well as However, during her Union Budget 2026 presentation, Sitharaman proposed that fish caught in the EEZ and high seas by Indian fishing vessels are treated as duty-free when brought into Indian ports and treated as exports when landed at foreign ports.This means that the market availability for Omega-3 packed fishes including salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring and sardines will significantly increase as their existing steep prices see a tremendous fall. What Are Fish Oil Omega-3s?Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats known for their crucial role in brain function and overall mental health. Fish oil is particularly rich in EPA and DHA, which are vital components of cell membranes and have strong anti-inflammatory effects in the body.These omega-3s play a critical role in human development, and they are primarily found in fatty fish and fish oil. Since many people do not consume enough fish, supplementation is often recommended to ensure adequate intake of these essential fatty acids.Although the body can convert another type of omega-3, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), into EPA and DHA, this process is not highly efficient. As a result, fish oil supplements may provide a convenient way to ensure optimal levels of omega-3s.READ MORE: NHS Doctor Says This Oil Instead of Cod Liver Is The Best Omega-3 SourceSome popular sources of Omega-3 include:Salmon Cod Liver Oil Algae Oil Oysters Nuts and seeds, such as flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnutsPlant oils, such as flaxseed oil, soybean oil, and canola oilFortified foods, such as eggs, yogurt, juices, milk, etc.How Omega-3s Improves Brain HealthEPA and DHA are essential for maintaining brain function throughout life. These fatty acids are abundant in the brain's cell membranes, helping to preserve cell health and facilitate communication between brain cells.Research has shown that a lack of omega-3 can lead to cognitive impairments. In animal studies, diets deficient in omega-3s resulted in reduced DHA levels in the brain, leading to deficits in learning and memory. In older adults, lower DHA levels have been linked to a smaller brain size, which may indicate accelerated brain ageing.Maintaining sufficient levels of omega-3s can help support cognitive function and may reduce the risk of age-related brain decline.The optimal dosage varies, but research suggests that 1,000–2,000 mg of omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil daily is a good starting point. People with depression should look for supplements with higher EPA content. It is pertinent to note that people should consult health experts before starting fish oil supplementation.Import Duty Decreased On Cancer DrugsCancer drugs are medications, including chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and hormone therapies, used to kill cancer cells, slow growth, or relieve symptoms. Some popular medications include Cisplatin, Paclitaxel, Doxorubicin and Pembrolizumab (Keytruda), most of which are imported into India.These imported, specialized cancer treatments, particularly targeted therapies and monoclonal antibodies, often cost thousands, placing a massive financial burden on patients, leading to lifelong debts.In this year's Union Budget, Sitharaman also proposed reducing import duty tax on 17 cancer drugs and seven medicines for rare diseases, which will in turn, help patients seek proper care on a timely basis.Deshmukh commented: "India is witnessing a steady and alarming rise in cancer cases, where late detection, prolonged treatment and high medicine costs often lead to preventable complications and loss of life. Against this backdrop, the Union Budget’s decision to remove customs duty on 17 cancer drugs and 7 medicines for rare diseases stands out as a truly progressive and patient-first measure."Affordability remains one of the biggest hurdles in cancer care, forcing many families to delay or discontinue treatment. By reducing import duties, this move has the potential to significantly lower the cost of advanced and targeted therapies, making them accessible to a larger section of patients."