Articles
Omega-3 in fish: How eating fish helps your heart
Are there any kinds of fish you should avoid?
Content
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?
Should anyone avoid eating fish because of the concerns over mercury or other contaminants?
If you eat enough fish containing mercury, the toxin can accumulate in your body. Although it's unlikely that mercury would cause any health concerns for most adults, it is particularly harmful to the development of the brain and nervous system of unborn children and young children.
The FDA and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend that the following groups limit the amount of fish they eat:
- Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant
- Breast-feeding mothers
- Young children
Pregnant women or women who are trying to become pregnant, breast-feeding mothers, and children can still get the heart-healthy benefits of fish from a variety of seafood and fish that are typically low in mercury, such as salmon and shrimp, and limiting the amount they eat to:
- No more than 12 ounces (340 grams) of fish and seafood in total a week
- No more than 4 ounces (113 grams) of Albacore tuna a week
- No amount of any fish that's typically high in mercury (shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish)
