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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?
How much fish should you eat?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends fish as part of a healthy diet for most people. Women who are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding and young children should avoid eating fish with the potential for high levels of mercury contamination.
- Adults should eat at least 8 ounces or two servings of omega-3-rich fish a week. A serving size is 4 ounces or about the size of a deck of cards.
- Women who are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding should eat up to 12 ounces of seafood per week from a variety of choices that are lower in mercury contamination.
- Children should also eat fish from choices lower in mercury once or twice a week. The serving size for children younger than age 2 is 1 ounce and increases with age.
In order to get the most health benefits from eating fish, pay attention to how it's prepared. For example, grilling, broiling or baking fish is a healthier option than is deep-frying.
