Whether it's salmon, shrimp or another delectable ocean dweller, Americans are hooked on seafood -; and it's not necessarily a bad thing. Seafood is a high-protein, low-fat food that provides a wealth of health benefits, and some fish contain substantial quantities of Omega-3s -; the "good" fats in the human diet that boost heart health.
But despite the many benefits that fish offer, they can also pose a considerable health risk when contaminated with harmful substances found in their living environments, such as mercury, PCBs and pesticides. Additionally, some of the most frequently eaten fish in the United States suffer from overfishing, which leaves fewer fish in the water than is necessary to keep stock levels consistent. While fish farms have been established to provide more seafood to consumers, these farms often pollute surrounding waters, negatively impact the health of wild fish and result in overuse of pesticides and antibiotics.
While the news is enough to leave seafood lovers wondering if their favorite foods may be hurting their health or the environment, knowing which kinds of fish are healthy to eat can give you confidence that your seafood is safe. The following tips, provided by Environmental Defense, will help you choose healthy seafood that not only benefits your health and tastes great, but also helps the planet:
* Be aware of risky seafood. Some of the worst offenders when it comes to unhealthy seafood are also the most frequently sold in grocery stores -; including farmed Atlantic salmon, imported shrimp and grouper.
* Look for "green" fish. For healthy, sustainable seafood options, try wild Alaskan salmon, blue mussels and U.S.-farmed catfish. By visiting www.environmentaldefense.org/seafood, you can view and download a pocket-sized version of the seafood selector -; a comprehensive chart that details what kinds of fish to avoid and what is safe for regular consumption.
* Read the label. After arming yourself with the knowledge of what kinds of fish to avoid, read the label. Labels on all fresh and frozen seafood in supermarkets are required to include whether it is wild or farmed and the country of origin. If you are confused or unsure, ask a store associate to help you find the information.
(NewsUSA)