Health Update: Fish

Ok, I've decided I am going to share all new health related information I come across on this blog. So here's what I found out today.

Not all fish are good for you. Some are better than others. Some like farmed Telapia and Catfish, can be down right unhealthy. Others have high levels of mercury which offsets the benefits one gets from the Omega 3 fatty acids they contain. But apparently as you get older the benefits of eating fish far outweigh not eating fish. According to the article by the AARP, the following rank as the top food source of omega-3 fatty acids, the fats believed to protect the heart, brain and other organs:

1. salmon,
2. herring,
3. anchovies
4. Atlantic mackerel—

Also, certain types of fish contain selenium, an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of some cancers and is believed to neutralize the damage caused by mercury. The following are high in selenium:

1. tuna,
2. halibut
3. salmon

Click here to read the detailed article.

Unfortunately, Seer fish, the fish that everyone seems to eat around here, is high in mercury, as it is most likely related to the King Mackerel, one of those with high mercury levels.

Now let's hope we are able to find the healthier options in Colombo!