Canned sardines play an important role in maintaining a healthy, balanced diet.

That's what RAB Food Group, LLC says on their website, about their line of canned sardines. The company recently launched a new form, sardine fillets, designed to appeal to folks who can't stand seeing fish heads and fins.

But perhaps my biggest reason for blogging this is the health statement printed on the box:

Natural Source of Omega-3's and Protein

Perhaps it's a sign of the times that canned sardines are now good for your heart. Also, the mention of protein is obviously there to appeal to carb-conscious dieters.

So is the canned sardine industry now on the brink of financial success in the health food market? Well, the fact that this company is putting out fillets instead of whole sardines, shows their committment to broaden public appeal.

I can just see Oprah Winfrey with her head tilted back, slurping down a six-inch long sardine and saying, "Wow, I just lost another 5 pounds!"