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Fish – toxic or healthy?

So what’s the deal with fish nowadays?  Some say its good for you some say it’s full of mercury so who’s right?

Well both actually.  Fish can be one of the best sources of Omega 3 fats. 

• Just briefly: Omega 3 and Omega 6 fats are both essential fats (your body needs them) which have anti-inflammatory effects and are needed for great skin.  Omega 6 is found in most vegetable oils and consumed more then enough in our society however Omega 3 is usually deficient.  Other sources of Omega 3 include flax seeds and flax oil as well as some other nuts and seeds.

One small (140g) salmon fillet provides enough Omega 3 fats for your daily requirement.  However this amount you actually get from that depends always on the freshness of the fish and the way it’s been cooked.  Also some fish are higher in Raw fish provides more nutrients however can also provide you with some un-invited guests…parasites.  Some symptoms of having parasites include itchy ears, itchy anus, drooling while sleeping and pain in the heart or navel. But never fear something can be done.   If you come and see me for nutrition counseling I can help you determine if a parasite cleanse is needed (using foods and herbs).

Our waters are getting more and more polluted and therefore so are the fish that swim in them.  There is definitely a risk of getting too much toxins such as mercury from certain fish but it really depends where it came from and what type of fish.  In general larger fish such as swordfish have higher amounts where smaller fish like sardines accumulate much less toxins.  Also, it is better to purchase wild fish then farmed (I would pick a wild salmon over an organic farmed salmon).  You can calculate the amount of mercury you are consuming at this website  www.gotmercury.org.  And for more information on mercury in fish go to www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/admehg3.html.

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