Why you Should Eat Wild Caught Fish Instead of Farm Raised
I'm sure you have heard that eating fish is healthy, right? High in the "good" fats (Omega 3's)... Do you know where the fish you buy at the supermarket comes from? They are labeled either wild caught or farm raised.
Think of what "farm raised" really means... Thousands of fish are raised commercially in tanks, enclosures and controlled pens across the country usually in lakes, ponds, rivers and oceans and fed corn to fatten them up! Since they are raised so close together they generally eat their own feces. This is very un-natural!!
Research has found that farmed fish has less usable omega-3 fatty acids than wild-caught fish and a 20% lower protein content. A USDA review confirmed the findings. Farmed fish are fattier and have a high concentration of omega-6 fatty acids. Imbalances in the levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids create inflammation in the body. Farm-raised fish are given antibiotics to stave off disease that results from crowded conditions and are also treated with pesticides to combat sea lice.
Researchers have also found levels of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE), a chemical used as a flame retardant, in high levels in farm-raised fish. PBDEs are endocrine disruptors that are thought to contribute to cancer. Scientists believe that both fish feed and increasing concentrations in the open oceans are contributing to high PBDE levels in fish and humans.
Another study, conducted at the University of New York at Albany found that dioxin levels in farm-raised salmon are 11 times higher than those in wild salmon. Dioxins are one of the “dirty dozen,” says the World Health Organization (WHO) because they are highly toxic and are stored for a long time in the body: their half life in fat cells is 7 to 11 years. Dioxins impair the endocrine, immune, nervous and reproductive systems and are carcinogens.
NOTE: Almost ALL Tilapia is farm-raised!! Avoid!
This is why it is important to make sure your fish is wild caught!!
Benefits of Wild Caught Fish:
Wild caught salmon is very high in Omega 3 fatty acids. These fats are known as essential fatty acids. Our bodies do not produce them, so must obtain them through our food. Wild caught salmon also has a healthy balance of Omega 3 to Omega 6 fatty acids. Cold water fish such as salmon are a good source of Vitamin D-an extremely important nutrient that is essential to wide variety of bodily functions. The sun is your best source of Vitamin D, but since most people do not get enough sun in the winter months, wild caught salmon is a great way to add more of it into your diet. Also found in wild caught salmon are healthy protein, selenium, niacin, vitamin B12, phosphorus, magnesium and vitamin B6.
Avoid farm raised fish at the grocery store and at restaurants. If it doesn't say it’s wild caught, chances are it is farm raised!!
Here is a chart that sums everything up for you:
I talk about this and much more during my one-on-one and group grocery store tours! If you would like to attend my next tour please contact me! 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com
http://www.who.int/en/
www.mercola.com
http://www.albany.edu/ihe/salmonstudy/pressrelease.html
Copyright, 2013, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness LLC, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or Jackie@OptimumWellnessMN.com. As a holistic nutrition and lifestyle coach, I will support you in taking steps to a healthier and happier you. My goal is to help you create an art of balance in your life. You will also learn how important balance between primary foods (relationships, physical activity, sleep, career and spirituality) and secondary foods (organic food and whole food) is.
www.optimumwellnessmn.com
0 comments: