There are benefits to adding more fresh fish to our weekly menus. While there are several, two key benefits are introduced here. The first is that fresh seafood contains a top-notch nutritional ingredient for both body and mind. The second benefit helps to promote a more sustainable future for all in providing a more feasible food staple compared to that of others.

Fresh seafood, especially cold water ocean fish, is the number one source for good fats that our bodies need. These fats are the omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are more readily found in white, oily fish than even the omega-3 concentrations found in nuts and seeds, two other known-well sources. Omega-3 fatty acids are both good for our heart and overall cardiovascular system as well as good for our brain development and function. Seafood in general is very low in omega-6 fatty acids. While we do need some, these are what we call the bad fats. Omega-6 fatty acids are much higher in beef and other land animals, which brings us to the second benefit.

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While it is not the complete answer by any stretch of the imagination, eating more seafood is more beneficial than eating beef, pork, chicken and other meats in terms of sustainability. For example, it takes less than 27% of food needed to feed and add an extra pound of meat to a fish compared to that of what it takes to feed a cow for another pound.[1] The difference is significant in that less food to feed our food sources means less intensive agricultural practices that harm the environment and deplete natural resources. That said, it is important to know where to get your fish.

Currently, the best fish to eat for your health are those that either you had fun catching yourself from cold ocean waters or those that come directly from fishermen and are labeled “wild-caught.” While fish farming has a lot of great potential for the future, current practices are flawed, and therefore, it is best to stay away. You can read, Salmon Types and Varieties, to gain a better understanding of farmed fish versus wild-caught.

There are several reasons why eating more fresh fish is a good habit to develop. Eating for better overall health and eating for sustainability is just the tip of the iceberg! Try to eat at least 2 to 3 servings of fresh weekly.

[1] Earth Policy Institute

image credit – yellow fin tuna school by Bill Abbott

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