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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

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GMOs-What You Need to Know

I definitely wanted to touch on GMOs and give you some more information considering the recent election and Prop 37 in California.  Genetically modified organisms (GMO’s) are just what the name implies. Organisms, in this case, foods that have been changed genetically, altered genetically.

According to a report by Dr. Oz, more than 80% of the foods we eat on daily basis contain one or more types of GMO. And what’s more is that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) doesn’t require that these foods be labeled. The food manufacturers take advantage of the cheaper costs of genetically modified foods and do not inform you that these potentially dangerous food ingredients are in their products.

The benefits of GMO foods are that these types of foods can be grown in less than optimal soils (thereby providing less than optimal vitamins, minerals, and other vital nutrients.)  My Dad is a farmer in Iowa and told me you can’t even buy seeds today that are not genetically modified!! That scares me!! Another alleged benefit is that there is less need for pesticides therefore making it cheaper to grow foods. This allows for less expensive foods, although the grocery prices are not lower!

Health Concerns with GM Foods
  • Increase in allergies
  • Increase in antibiotic resistance
  • Problems with endocrine system
  • Disorders of the reproductive system
  • Increase in aging symptoms

Some countries, notably the European Union does not allow GM foods to be imported. In addition, if their foods contain more than .9% GM foods they must be labeled so the consumer knows exactly what they’re getting and consuming.

The USDA and related government agencies in our country argue against any labeling here on the grounds that this would imply that GM foods are different. Well…..they are!!!  Again, when it comes to eating healthy and protecting your own health and that of your family you can’t rely on anyone but yourself to choose the healthiest real foods that are as close to the way God created them as possible.

While the list of GM foods is undoubtedly growing, here are the most commonly found GM foods:

  • Corn (which is in everything these days!!! High Fructose Corn Syrup)
  • Canola
  • Alfalfa
  • Soybeans (soy is NOT a health food!)
  • Sugar Beets


I urge you to consider the potential dangers of eating anything that has been altered from its original state and consider the evidence now starting to come to light about their impact on your health.

Avoiding GM foods can be a bit tricky since there are no warnings on the labels. The following are my recommendations for keeping GM foods out of your body:

  • Avoid all foods with corn or canola oils or by products.
  • Look for and buy foods that are labeled GMO free.

Here is a shopping guide I found: www.nongmoshoppingguide.com

  • Shop for organic foods. (By law they must contain less than 5% GM products.)
  • Plant your own garden and eat fresh foods daily.
  • Read and keep up on the latest GM foods
 
Need help cleaning up your diet? Schedule a nutrition consultation with me and I will help you avoid putting more toxins into your body!

http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/genetically-modified-foods-get-facts

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/03/09/why-arent-gmo-foods-labeled.aspx

http://www.nongmoproject.org/
 
Copyright, 2012, Jackie Mart. For further information about this blog, or Optimum Wellness MN, contact Jackie Mart at 712.790.5883 or jackieamart@hotmail.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.
 
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