Fish: The Magical Food
Eating fish is good for the heart and brain, but it can also lead to a longer life. The Omega-3 fatty acids that fish are rich which has been credited with protecting and reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. However the benefits of supplementing with fish oils have been conflicting.
A study was conducted with participants ranging from 65 and older who had never taken fish-oil supplements. Through the study it was found that the three important healthy fatty acids were higher in those who ate fish as opposed to those who took the fish oils. Those with higher levels of the fatty acids showed a 35 percent lower risk of dying from heart disease.
Although the benefits of Omega-3 are worth noting, little is still known about how they influence longevity. The American Heart Association and Dietary Guidelines for Americans both recommend consumption of 400 mg of fish a week. That’s about two servings a week.
Fish is not the perfect food though, it has something that needs to be considered- fish has high levels of mercury. Mercury is toxic in human development. Young children and pregnant women should avoid fish high in mercury which include shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tilefish. Good fish to have include salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout, sardines and albacore tuna.
