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Go fish for health?

Seafood and shellfish are categorized as “lean proteins” and can be among the healthiest entree choices when dining out. Salmon, swordfish and tuna are a bit higher in fat and calories than white fleshed fish such as snapper and grouper, but it’s healthy fat linked to lower rates of heart disease and even improving your skin health. Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish are among dietitians’ favorite things to recommend we eat more of for longterm health. But, once you deep fat fry fish or shrimp or choose a fish dish swimming in cream sauce you’re taking a turn from light and lean and headed down river to a recipe packed with lots of calories and too much of the wrong kind of fat…saturated fats from cream, butter and some fats used in deep fat frying. Another health concern with fish today are varieties such as swordfish, white albacore tuna, and mahi mahi (shark) that contain the environmental pollutant, methyl mercury. So, what’s a fish lover to do? What’s your fish story when eating out?

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Comments

By Clodagh

June 19, 2006 08:26 AM | Link to this

I put sushi in the same category as green bean casserole. I do not make or eat it. I avoid it at all costs.

By bel

June 19, 2006 09:04 AM | Link to this

All fish is contaminated with PCBs, mercury, etc. to one degree or another, so I avoid it at all costs. Instead I take distilled, contaminant-free fish oil supplements.

By FyreStarrterâ„¢

June 19, 2006 09:18 AM | Link to this

I LOVE sushi, shellfish, & nearly any kind of fish, so when I go out to eat I tend to gravitate towards sushi, or salmon or like I had yesterday, Halibut as well. All fish is contaminated to one degree or another but it is STILL better for you than eating red meat or pork.

By Rod

June 19, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this

bel, if - as you say - all fish is contaminated with PCBs, then aren’t the fish oil supplements you take made from fish that are contaminated? And aren’t you getting contaminated anyway?

By bel

June 20, 2006 01:32 PM | Link to this

Rod,

The brand of fish oils I take has been treated to remove contaminants. It costs a bit more than the brands you might find in a grocery store, but I think, well worth the price.

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