My ADA

Sorting out the facts on the health benefits of fish

Fish is promoted for its health benefits and then the next report cautions against certain types of fish, what are the facts.

When it comes to health benefits fish continues to line up high on the positive side. There’s the omega -3 fatty acids found in all fish and especially the fatty fish. Omega – 3’s help promote heart health and aid in prevention of heart disease making them a positive choice. Recent studies have also looked at fish and memory; the question marks are about the mercury in some fish.

Fish that swim on the bottom of the ocean and are heavier in weight contain more mercury and should be consumed less often and avoided by certain segments of the population. Shark, swordfish, tilefish and King mackerel should be avoided by pregnant and nursing women and young children and other fish should be limited to 12 ounces per week. Limit the mercury in tuna by choosing chunk light tuna instead of albacore, which has more mercury.

Produced by ADA's Public Relations Team

To view previous Daily Tips, click here.

Print Version