In the areas I grew up in, fresh seafood is considered a staple of the diet. I love just about everything you’ll find in a seafood restaurant and could eat it every day. And as far back as I can remember, seafood was recommended as one of the best things a person could eat. So what happened? Why do so many people avoid fish now?
First, let’s look at what’s good about eating fish. In a nutshell, seafood is a fantastic source of protein and nutrients. It digests easily compared to other animal products. It is (in most cases) low in fat and cholesterol. Many fishes (especially cold-water fish such as salmon) are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which have strong, positive health effects for the heart, the brain, and the eyes.
In recent years, however, many studies and much research has uncovered an uncomfortable truth about seafood: the levels of contamination of dangerous substances are rising. In particular, mercury levels in fish in many areas around the world have become a publicized concern. Other chemical pollutants are also on the list of contaminants, predominantly from agricultural runoffs from coastal countries.
Do we need to fear these contaminants? The current consensus is no, we do not. Except for people in certain risk groups (such as pregnant women), the benefits of eating a few servings of fish per week outweigh the risks. If you are eating more than one or two servings a week, it is better to eat smaller fish from the bottom of the food chain (young tuna, salmon, etc) instead of larger predatory fish (shark, swordfish, and king mackerel); even then keep your consumption under about 12 ounces per week, about 3-4 servings, for an average person.
Fish is extremely good for you. Love it or hate it, you can’t deny that it can be beneficial to your body and mind. Know that there is mercury and other contaminants in the fish you eat, but not in large enough amounts to worry heavily about. Bon appetit!
Resources:
- Fish FAQ: The merits and hazards of eating fish [www.mayoclinic.com]
- Eating fish: There’s a catch [www.usatoday.com]
- Eating fish can help protect eyesight in elderly [www.msnbc.msn.com]
- Fish in diet may help maintain heart rhythm [www.msnbc.msn.com]
Other news
- Michael Jackson is in trouble now: FDA May Limit Skin Bleaching Products [www.cbsnews.com]
- If you need painkillers now, you’ll love childbirth: Possible Painkiller Link to Birth Defects [www.webmd.com]
- “Paging Dr. God”: Medical practices blend health and faith [www.msnbc.msn.com]
From the editor
Spring has sprung down under, and every day is getting warmer. Now we’re getting daily rain showers, and even the rain is warmer this week than it was last. I love tropical and sub-tropical weather!
The downside, in my case, is just as the weather truly breaks into late spring and early summer, I’ll be arriving back in Seattle for the onset of winter. At least I’ll have a full tan when I return to the Rusty City next month.
It’s also back-to-school and the return of football on Sundays back home, while here the students are starting to look forward to their summer breaks and families are testing their camping gear for the coming great weather.
And you thought changing time zones was confusing…
Healthy thoughts,
Jeff
