What is the healthiest fish to eat? Avoid these types that are high in mercury.
Fish is a healthy food high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential polyunsaturated fats that our bodies do not naturally produce. According to a study from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 68% of adults and over 95% of children consume less than the recommended amount of omega-3 fats.
In addition to protein content, the American Heart Association says eating fish twice per week can also lead to better cardiovascular health. But not all fish are equal. Some are much healthier than others, and there are also considerable environmental concerns related to contaminants like mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls.
What is the healthiest fish to eat?
These are some of the healthiest fish for your diet, according to Healthline — though read further for more details on how to ensure you’re not contributing negatively to the environment:
Alaskan salmon
Cod
Herring
Mahi-mahi
Mackerel (other than king mackerel)
Perch
Rainbow trout
Sardines
Striped bass
Tuna (other than bluefin and bigeye tuna), especially canned light tuna
Wild Alaskan pollock
Arctic char
What are the worst fish to eat?
The worst fish to eat are those high in mercury, according to WebMD. Avoid these fish for that reason:
Imported swordfish
Imported marlin
Shark
Tilefish
King mackerel
Orange roughy
Some types of tuna, such as bluefin and bigeye tuna, may also be more likely to have higher levels of mercury, according to WebMD.
What are the best fish to eat for the environment?
It’s important to think about sustainability, as well as the health implications of consuming fish with contaminants such as mercury or polychlorinated biphenyls. Fish healthy to eat and having minimal environmental impact, according to One Medical:
Troll-caught or pole-caught albacore tuna from the U.S. or British Columbia
Wild-caught salmon from Alaska
Farmed oysters
Wild-caught sardines from the Pacific Ocean
Farmed rainbow trout
Tank-farmed freshwater coho salmon from the U.S.
Discover more health tips for your daily diet:
Healthiest fats: You should be consuming more of this essential fat
Healthiest vegetable: Check out these great nutrient-dense options
Healthiest nut: Add these two daily for cognitive benefits and more
Healthiest rice: Settling the white rice vs. brown rice debate
Healthiest oil: Most have some benefits but these two might be best
Healthiest butter: Look for this kind at the grocery store
Healthiest meat: Expert tips to serve up a nutrient-rich plate
Healthiest beans: Options for protein, fiber, iron intake
Healthiest diet: Why the answer encompasses more than just food
Healthiest grains: We compare whole, refined grain sources
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What is the healthiest fish? Best fish to eat to get healthy fats in.