Eat Fish for Omega-3 Health Benefits

Lynn Keiley

There are many good reasons to add fish, such as salmon, trout and herring, to your diet. Recent nutrition research confirmed the benefits of eating oily fish, which are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are proven to boost brainpower and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Eating fish may also improve eye health, reduce the risk of colon cancer and have therapeutic effects for people suffering from depression and arthritis.

But we're also hearing warnings against eating fish, specifically directing pregnant women and young children to avoid fish high in mercury. And we read reports about the problems of overharvesting wild fish species and the water pollution caused by some commercial fish farms.

But many aquaculturists operate responsibly, and you can eat the fish from these farms without sacrificing your health or that of the planet. While there's a lot to keep in mind when selecting fish, you can find healthy, sustainably harvested fish in a variety of price ranges.

Download a Sustainable Seafood Shopping Guide from the Real Food Page on MotherEarthNews.com to learn more about choosing healthy, sustainable fish. Or visit Oceans Alive or Seafood Watch.