Friday, February 28, 2014

Fish Facts - Part 4 (final)


Sole

According to Dr. Smith, “when it comes to your heart, forget the sole (and flounder).  Although this flatfish isn’t particularly detrimental, it doesn’t boast many advantages either.  Sole has one of the lowest concentrations of omega-3s and therefore offers the least nutritional benefits to Baby Boomers.  Instead, swap for fish with higher levels of heart-healthy omega-3s which significantly boost memory and recall, reduce inflammation and promote healthier heart function.



OK – We’ve read about the fish that is bad for us.  Now I want to know what fish is actually good for us.
According to Dr. Brill, “there are plenty of fish and shellfish that have tons of nutritional benefits with minimal mercury.  Omega-3-rich fish and seafood that’s low in mercury includes wild caught salmon, shrimp, sardines, trout, herring, and oysters.”

It’s not only important to be aware of how fish affects your health, but how your seafood choices affect the environment.  Many irresponsible fishing practices have led to species endangerment and habitat depletion.  The Monterey Bay Aquarium has started working with fisheries and fish farms worldwide to maintain a “Seafood Watch” database.  This program considers habitat, species, management and other factors in order to recommend seafood “best choices” and “what to avoid.”   Hopefully the fish we consume in the future will be safer raised, caught and healthier for us to consume. 

Now, for my taste buds, I’m just out of luck.  I love all of the fish mentioned as being bad, except for the Farmed Salmon.  I only buy that which states that it is not farm raised or that it comes from deep ocean waters.  The shrimp and trout I love but anyone that wants can have my share of sardines, herring and oysters.  The worse part of these findings bring to light that no matter what, we’ll never know where our fish in the restaurants and stores truly come from.


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