Many dieticians suggest that a weekly intake of healthy fish can lead to a balanced diet overall. The pescatarian diet offers high levels of vitamins and nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and protein. It also actively reduces levels of glucose and cholesterol within the body. Not only that but incorporating fish into your diet is also a key attribute of many weight-loss techniques.
But does this mean that all fish are equally good for you? While seafood is delicious, not all creatures of the big blue are equal when it comes to health benefits.
In this article, we will be exploring which fish-based meals are probably best avoided if you are seeking a healthier diet.
Tilefish and Swordfish
If your goal is to lose weight, then you should avoid eating tilefish and swordfish at all costs. According to the FDA, both options contain very high levels of mercury. This is due to the fact that these large fish have longer life spans and therefore accumulate more mercury over time. Once you’ve digested them, a particular hormone is released into your body, making it burn fewer calories and store more fat.
Spicy Tuna Rolls
With the increased popularity of sushi in the western world, it’s easy to mistake these delicately wrapped rolls for being healthy. Tuna on its own may seem like a good option for losing weight with its low calorie count and high protein levels. However, combined with creamy sauces and white rice, this seemingly innocent meal becomes a direct attack on your body, causing fats to build where you don’t want them to. To avoid this, next time you go to buy sushi, we recommend ordering tuna sashimi instead. This way you can enjoy the benefits of tuna without the added risks offered by spicy tuna rolls.
Farm-Raised Salmon
Salmon is often praised for its health benefits. However, many people aren’t aware that there is a vast difference between eating wild salmon and farmed salmon. The main one is that farmed salmon (such as Atlantic salmon) poses more health threats than its wild counterparts. For instance, farmed salmon is host to three times more fat than wild salmon, making it a poor choice for weight-loss purposes. Additionally, farmed salmon is high in omega-6, which can lead to an increase in chronic inflammation.
Tilapia
Next to tilapia, bacon can look like a heart-healthy choice. Packed with omega-6, this fish is a leading cause of chronic inflammation. Not only that, most tilapia you find is farm-raised and consequently holds far more toxins than if it were caught in the wild.
Anything Battered
While battered fish is a popular option among many chain restaurants, it certainly isn’t the healthiest choice available. Typically, the batter includes white flour and hot oil, making it a definite no-go if you are looking to lose or maintain a healthy weight. It’s been said that the batter is mainly there to protect the fish when frying it, but should be avoided anyway. If you’re trying to be health-conscious when eating out, it’s best to order a grilled fish fillet as an alternative to battered fish. This way, you can still enjoy the taste of your fish without needing to worry about the potential harm that comes with eating the batter.
Avoiding Trouble Under the Sea
Increasing your seafood intake may seem like an obvious choice when looking to establish a healthier diet. Nevertheless, it’s naïve to assume that all forms of fishy delicacies are beneficial to your well-being. By ensuring that you are implementing the correct type of fish into your diet, you can look towards a healthier future.
Have you had any experience with a fish-based diet? We’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject. Let us know what you think by leaving a comment below.
