Yes

by Amanda Kringle

Created on: November 18, 2009   Last Updated: November 19, 2009

It is a well known fact, whether we like it or not, that fish are good for us. According to an article published on www.webmd.com fish is not only high in omega-3 fatty acids ( which are good for heart health) it is also high in necessary vitamins (like the essential B vitamins), minerals (i.e. potassium) and protein, which is good for muscle development. In addition, although more research is being conducted, it appears as though your body will absorb DHA, a fatty acid found in the brain and necessary for its development and continued health, better from eating fish than from a fish oil supplement.

DHA, is highly synthesized along synapses, which are junctions through which neurons signal to each other and and to non-neuronal cells such as those in muscles. This being said it explains why our brains function better with a larger amount of DHA. Studies have been done by the Rush Institute for Healthy Aging and by the investigators at the University of Kuopia, Finland, and at Harvard Medical School showed that older people who ate fish regularly were less likely to develop Alzheimer's disease and brain damage and abnormalities that could lead to stroke. They had better cognition and thinking skills. In another study researchers tested over 2,000 Norwegians and found that those who ate fish regularly not only had better cognition but also were two to three times less likely to develop epilepsy, asthma, chronic bronchitis, and osteoporosis. In addition, to being very beneficial to our brains. Hundreds of studies suggest that omega-3s provide protection against a wide range of diseases: cancer, asthma, depression, cardiovascular disease, ADHD, and autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

In light of all this, the American Heart Association, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), along with the American Dietetic Association issued guidelines about fish. They recommend consuming two 8-ounce servings of fish each week.

Since it is highly recommended and proven that fish is healthy for us, we should all take a better interest in eating at least the recommended amount of fish weekly. That being said, it is important to also recognize that although fish is very healthy for us, there are certain ways that is should and should not be eaten.

First, and foremost, never should any seafood, be eaten raw. It is a breeding ground for bacteria. However, for those Helium readers enjoy sushi and such things, at least investigate the cleanliness of the restaurant at which you are eating. If it is at home you must prepare the fish in a dry and sanitary environment.

Second, if you want to eat fish, it can be grilled ( the healthiest of the preparations), baked (without a lot of butter), or broiled. If you are eating fish, it is always best to avoid fried fish. Not only because they have a good deal of fat in them but also because frying fish, especially deep fried and breaded, does remove the healthy properties from the fish. At that point you are not eating anything that will help.

If you want to know more about the benefits of fish in your diet, you can consult your doctor or nutritionist. Otherwise, its probably easier just to look on the internet. You could look up the American Heart Association, the American Association for Diabetics or anything of that nature, or just google the benefits of eating fish.

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