Should You Be Eating More Fish?

Do you love eating fish? Perhaps you love it but you stopped eating it because of worries about contamination, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Here are some fish facts that might make you change your mind about how much fish you should be eating.

The Many Benefits of Eating Fish

Fish is high in protein and low in fat. It is high in potassium, magnesium, iodine, zine, iron, calcium, phosphorous, and omega-3 fatty acids. It can help to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke and can lower blood pressure. There has even been research showing that eating fish everyday can help with symptoms of asthma, managing diabetes, and with keeping your eyes healthy.

Omega-3 fatty acids can help not only with your heart health, but they can also help to prevent inflammation, which reduces the risk of arthritis. And, they can keep your brain functioning properly and may even decrease the risk of depression. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in all fish, but trout, salmon, sardines, and canned light tuna are especially good choices if you are trying to get a lot of omega-3.

But What About Contaminants?

It is true that if you eat a lot of fish that contain mercury (typically larger fish such as swordfish, shark, and king mackerel) that mercury can build up in your body; for most adults, this small amount of mercury won’t cause any health concerns. However, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning on becoming pregnant, you should ask your doctor about eating fish. Although mercury can harm the development of the brain and the nervous system in unborn babies, eating a safe amount of fish (and the right kind of fish) can be very good for your baby’s cognitive and visual development and can even reduce the risk for premature birth.

There are so many benefits to eating fish! If you have any questions about your diet – especially if you are pregnant – contact Women’s Health Medical Group. There are offices in Fort Worth, Burleson, and Lake Worth – call (817) 345-5336 to schedule an appointment today.