Health Benefits of Eating Fish
January 25, 2009 – 1:44 am
Since the human body can’t make significant amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, or the “good” fats, fish are an important part of the diet.
Why is eating fish healthy?
Fish is a high-protein, low-fat food that provides a range of health benefits. White-fleshed fish, in particular, is lower in fat than any other source of animal protein, and oily fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids, or the “good” fats. Since the human body can’t make significant amounts of these essential nutrients, fish are an important part of the diet. Also, fish are low in the “bad” fats commonly found in red meat, called omega-6 fatty acids.
Why are omega-3s good for your health?
A growing body of evidence indicates that omega-3 fatty acids provide a number of health benefits. They:
- *help maintain cardiovascular health by playing a role in the regulation of blood clotting and vessel constriction;
- *are important for prenatal and postnatal neurological development;
- *may reduce tissue inflammation and alleviate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis;
- *may play a beneficial role in cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), reducing depression and halting mental decline in older people.
The omega-3s found in fish (EPA and DHA) appear to provide the greatest health benefits. Fish that are high in omega-3s, low in environmental contaminants and eco-friendly include:
- *wild salmon from Alaska (fresh, frozen and canned),
- *Arctic char,
- *Atlantic mackerel,
- *sardines,
- *sablefish,
- *anchovies
- *farmed oysters
- *farmed rainbow trout and
- *albacore tuna from the U.S. and Canada.
Choose fish that are good for you and the ocean. Visit the Environmental Defense Fund website and check out the complete list of fish that has been eco-rated . Learn more about contaminants such as Mercury and PCBs and get help on what to look for when buying fish.
Photo: soulchildd
11 Responses to “Health Benefits of Eating Fish”
We have always known fish is good for you. Now here is more proof. Try to incorporate fish into your diet on a weekly basis. YOur body will be better for it!
Cathy Warren
http://www.Over60exchange.com
By Cathy Warren on Jan 27, 2009
I’ve printed the fish chart from the Environmental Defense Fund website and carry it with me when I go grocery shopping. I can now check if the fish is good for me and the ocean.
By rita morgan on Feb 8, 2009
Tilapia is an inexpensive fish, and easy to prepare. It’s also friendly on the environment. We have recipes at http://www.tilapiablog.com.
By Lela on May 20, 2009
So true that not all fish are created equal. great article!
charlotte chiropractor
By Rob on Jun 4, 2009
Thanks for the info. most people dont think enough about there health.
By Health and Fitness on Nov 3, 2009
Thanks a lot friend for posting such a wonderful recipe of fish, fish is among one of my favourite sea foods.
By Jennifer Stevenson on Dec 7, 2009
I always love eating fish!Thanks for this post!
By John on Jan 19, 2010
I am vegetarian but the only animal derived product I eat is fish because of all its benefits. I have found many ways to prepare it if you are interested mail me at kasper@cmarl.unam.mx..I am half Mexican and Portuguese so I can give you recepies with fish and veggies…sorry if my english is not that good..thanks Juanito
By jUAN on Mar 8, 2010