Truth be known, I am not a fish eater. This comes from my days as a child when I remember by dear Mom frying fish on the stove top and the house would wreak from smelly fish. UGHHH. However, over the years, my tastes changed and I became a shell fish eater: shrimp, lobster, clams etc. However, still to this day, probably due to olfactory PTSD from my mother’s fish frying days, I still do not eat non-shelled fish.
Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids which are the “good” fats, i.e. protecting the body from developing heart disease. There are other vitamins and anti-oxidants in fish that also contribute to the health benefits of including fish in a “healthy” dietary approach.
So begs the question: What is the HEALTHIEST fish to eat during your long-term quest for weight control and overall improved health?
Probably the “best” fish to consume in the pursuit of long-term health is salmon (I know Nataliya is smiling reading this post because she eats salmon several times a week.) The reason? Salmon has a very high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids and as mentioned above, this is the “good” type of fat that reduces inflammation and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Oysters are also a good choice (cooked, not raw). The reason: high levels of omega 3’s as well as lots of iron. Sardines (ewwww for me) are a great source of omega 3’s, calcium, Vitamin D and they are very inexpensive. Halibut contains lots of selenium which has been shown to reduce inflammation. Red snapper is great as this contains lots of protein, B-vitamins and potassium
Okay, now for the not-so-healthy fish: Sole is high in contaminants, does not have lots of omega-3’s and has a high sodium content compared to potassium, so those with high blood pressure should avoid this fish. Farmed tilapia also has a high level of contaminants, contains omega-6 fatty acids (these promote inflammation) and may contain antibiotics. Shark and orange roughy contain lots of mercury and these can damage the neuro system…stay clear.
Tuna: Hmm…sort of controversial: The mercury content is high and is not a great source of omega-3’s. However, it does contain lots of Vitamin B-12 and B-6. Pregnant women and children should really limit tuna intake due to the mercury issue.
So, here is the conclusion: Salmon is probably the healthiest fish to consume in your quest for long-term health.
How can I post this entry without concluding with this music gem from ‘The Little Mermaid”?
