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Omega-3 in fish: How eating fish helps your heart
Are there any kinds of fish you should avoid?
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What are omega-3 fatty acids, and why are they good for your heart?
Does it matter what kind of fish you eat?
How much fish should you eat?
Does mercury contamination outweigh the health benefits of eating fish?
Should anyone avoid eating fish because of the concerns over mercury or other contaminants?
Are there any other concerns related to eating fish?
Can you get the same heart-healthy benefits by eating other foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids, or by taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements?
Are there any kinds of fish you should avoid?
Some fish, such as tilapia and catfish, don't appear to be as heart healthy because they contain higher levels of unhealthy fatty acids. Keep in mind that any fish can be unhealthy depending on how it's prepared. For example, broiling or baking fish is a healthier option than is deep-frying.
Some researchers are also concerned about eating fish produced on farms as opposed to wild-caught fish. Researchers think antibiotics, pesticides and other chemicals used in raising farmed fish may cause harmful effects to people who eat the fish. However, some farmed fish — salmon, sea bass and trout — have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids than their wild counterparts.
