Tilapia May Be Harmful
Written By: Journal of the American Dietetic Association
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Published - Dec 21, 2008
Farm-raised tilapia is one of the cheapest and most popular fish in the United States and may actually increase inflammation leading to heart disease, arthritis, asthma, and other serious health problems.
This was recently published in a study conducted at Wake Forest University in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association. Fish, in the ocean, feed on algae and other fish. This makes their fish oil contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. Research has shown that it is the omega-3 fatty acids that impart tremendous health benefits to the mind, brain and circulatory system.
Fish raised in farms for commercial use are fed corn. As a result, the fish no longer have adequate levels of omega-3 fatty acids but instead contain omega-6 fatty acids. These omega-6 fatty acids have already been implicated in causing harm in humans, particularly if not maintained in the proper balance with the omega-3 fatty acids. Tilapia has become the 5th most popular fish in the United States; largely because it is inexpensive. It is the most common fish used for fish sticks, fish burgers and artificial crab.
Many people are wishing to receive the benefits of the omega-3 fish oils, but eating tilapia is not a way to accomplish that. On the other hand, eating fish that swim naturally in the waters runs the risk of excessive exposure to mercury and dioxins. Both mercury and dioxins are harmful pollutants found in the water where fish swim.
It seems that the most prudent thing for everyone to do is to seek adequate levels of omega3 fatty acids in supplement form. When selecting a fish oil supplement it is important to be certain that the source be cold water fish. The fish that swim in warm water do not have adequate levels of omega-3 fatty acids. The highest concentration of omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish that swim in cold water. This includes mackerel, salmon, sardines, and herring.
In addition, fish from the Nordic sea waters seem to have the highest concentration of omega-3 fatty acids. When selecting a fish oil supplement, be sure the supplement contains oils from cold water fish as well as make certain the product does not contain mercury or dioxins.