Seafood has numerous health benefits; it is rich in vitamins, proteins, and minerals. Although it is very healthy to include fish on your menu, experts advise people to be careful when choosing the type of fish, and many ask whether tilapia is a good choice.
Tilapia is one of the most popular farmed and affordable fish in the USA. It is a lean source of protein, but it does not provide all the nutrients people expect from fish, and the way it is farmed matters. Why is that so? Some articles have even compared it to bacon.
These Are the Things to Know About Tilapia
#1 Contains Fewer Omega-3 Fatty Acids
According to scientists from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, tilapia has a lower level of omega-3 fatty acids than many other commonly eaten fish. Omega-3 fatty acids are important because they are linked to heart and brain health.
At the same time, tilapia contains more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3. The body needs both, but most modern diets already contain plenty of omega-6. The researchers noted that the fatty acid profile of farmed tilapia is less favorable than that of oily fish.
#2 The Omega-6 and Brain Health Question
Arachidonic acid is one of the omega-6 fatty acids found in tilapia. It takes part in the inflammatory processes of the body, and inflammation is one of the factors scientists study in relation to Alzheimer’s disease.
Sardines, mackerel, and halibut are richer in omega-3, which is why they are more often recommended as part of a brain-friendly diet. There is no proof that eating tilapia causes this disease.
#3 The Majority of Tilapia Is Farmed
Most tilapia is not grown in natural conditions but on farms. This is a result of its hardiness and its ability to eat almost anything.
So, farmers do not need to spend as much money on fish food as they do for growing salmon. Some reports about farms in certain countries say that the fish are fed animal waste instead of proper feed.
According to the same reports, the fish ponds on some farms are overcrowded and antibiotics are used, and the fish are bred to grow faster. Conditions vary a lot from one farm and country to another.
#4 Possible Contaminants
Fish raised in poor conditions can carry more contaminants than fish raised responsibly. Some reports mention pesticides, industrial chemicals, and dioxin, a pollutant that health authorities advise people to limit.
Dioxin stays in the body for a long time, with an estimated half-life of 7 to 11 years, which is why the source of the fish is important.
If you like tilapia, look for fish from farms with recognized certification, and vary your menu with fish that are rich in omega-3.
Via Global Sea Foods | Why Don't You Try This | NCBI | Eat This | The Physical Therapy Doctor
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk to your doctor about any health concern.