Healthy Fish

Fish generally contains high levels of Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are necessary for optimal physical and mental health. According to many studies, omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce the risk and symptoms of a variety of disorders, and can lower triglyceride levels, increase HDL cholesterol, help minimize inflammation and blood clotting, and keep blood vessels healthy.

The best choices of healthy fish are:

• wild-caught Alaskan salmon,
• canned sockeye salmon,
• sardines,
• herring,
• black cod.

However, not all fish provide the same benefits, and some fish species should be limited or even avoided.
Limit your intake of the following:

• Large predatory fish. Shark, swordfish, tilefish, king mackerel, and white tuna which may have high levels of mercury.
• Farm-raised tilapia is one of the most highly consumed fish in America, yet it has very low levels of beneficial omega-3s and very high levels of potentially detrimental omega-6 fatty acids which are pro-inflammatory.
• Farmed salmon (also called Atlantic salmon). Typically found in supermarkets, restaurants and fish markets. While less expensive than wild salmon, farmed salmon is lower in omega-3s and may contain residues of antibiotics and other drugs used to treat diseases in fish farming pens.

Yes, fish is healthy, but you need to know which are best and which to avoid.