Is That Healthy Fish Really So Healthful?
Margot B

Is That Healthy Fish Really So Healthful?
By Margot B

ELLE Magazine’s April issue explores how the most health-conscious eaters may be exposing themselves to dangerous levels of mercury. For years fish has been a dietary staple among weight-watchers and the most health-conscious consumers. Many believe that the omega-3 fatty acids in salmon and tuna can prevent heart disease and wrinkles as well as make their brains both brainier and less susceptible to depression.

However, Dr. Jane Hightower, [an Internal medicine specialist] reports in ELLE’s April issue, that a dangerous level of mercury is found in some very common types of fish: swordfish, shark, ahi, canned tuna. She discusses the three-year study that led to her concluding that too much of the wrong kind of fish can give you a nasty case of mercury poisoning.

Hightower reports the symptoms of mercury poisoning to include fatigue, headaches, hair loss, and neurological problems, ranging from numbness, muscle weakness, altered vision and hearing, slurred speech, to convulsions and dementia.

Hightower’s claim has touched off controversy from nationwide, pitting federal agencies and fishing industry against environmentalists and health enthusiasts. ‘Virtually all fish contain traces of methyl mercury’ Hightower reveals. ‘In lakes and rivers, where pollution is often quite concentrated, even small fish can have large amounts.’ ‘In oceans, it’s the big predatory species at the top of the food chain that ends up with

the most mercury; these fish may feast for years on smaller fish before becoming fillets themselves. Swordfish, which may be among the largest sea creatures regularly consumed by humans, may accumulate several million times the amount of mercury found in the surrounding water, according to the EPA.’
Some healthy hints from Dr. Hightower:

* Eat more salmon – the fish highest in omega-3-like salmon and

sardines, contain very low levels of mercury.

* Limit fish if you are pregnant [or trying]. Eat no more than 12-ounces

a week, and avoid swordfish, shark, king mackerel, and tilefish.

* Go for variety – eat different kinds of fish.

* Think small – little fish tend to be lower in mercury. Eating smaller

portions also helps.

* Don’t be afraid – occasionally bingeing on sushi or eating

swordfish all week on vacation won’t hurt you.

Source: ELLE
Web site: http://elle.com/
Mar 14, 2003 09:23 ET

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Margot B
mailto:margotb@authorsden.com
Web site: http://margotb.tk

About the Author

Margot B is the author of a book and 100s of articles, specializing in health and the environment….and is a Web site designer. Samples:
http://margotb.tk
http://nuchatlaht.tk
http://margotbworldnews.tk
http://websitebldg.tripod.com/

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Eat Healthy Without Meat
Alex Fir

As concerns about healthy eating have grown, so has the interest
in vegetarianism. Numerous nutrition experts recommend eating
low on the food chain. In plain language this means eating more
grains, vegetables and fruits, and fewer meats, cheeses and
other animal based products.

There are various levels of vegetarianism, and each type has its
own unique health benefits and some health challenges as well.
Of course vegetarians, like meat eaters, must still make healthy
food choices. Simply pigging out on French fries while avoiding
the burger will not make you a healthy vegetarian.

Some people who consider themselves vegetarians still eat
poultry and seafood, while others avoid all animal flesh, even
fish and chicken. Most vegetarians still eat milk, dairy
products and eggs. In nutritional circles these people are
referred to as lacto-ovo vegetarians.

Vegans, on the other hand, avoid all animal products, including
eggs, milk and dairy products, and even fabrics like silk,
leather and wool. It is vegans who face the largest challenges
and risks when trying to follow a healthy diet. Most vegetarian
diets provide more than enough nutrition, as long as smart
dietary choices are made.

The key to eating a healthy vegetarian diet is much the same as
eating a healthy diet that includes meat. It all boils down to
making smart food choices, understanding nutritional labels, and
cooking your vegetables to maximize their nutritional value.

Choosing the foods that make up the bulk of a vegetarian diet is
very important. For most vegetarians, vegetables, grains,
lentils and soy products will make up the bulk of their diet,
and these staples are included in many vegetarian recipes.

When cooking with soy, however, it is important to remember that
tofu is relatively high in fat. The fat content of tofu dishes
is often comparable to that of dishes that are made with lean
cuts of meat. Those vegetarians following a low fat diet may
want to limit the amount of tofu based products they eat.

The same caution applies to the nuts and seeds that can make up
a large part of a vegetarian diet. Nuts and seeds are excellent
sources of dietary protein, but they can be high in fat as well.

Many newly minted vegetarians worry that they will not be able
to get enough protein and iron without eating meat, but for most
vegetarians this is not a problem. Most diets today actually
contain too much protein, and there are many non animal derived
sources of protein for vegetarians to enjoy.

Proper cooking techniques are of course very important to any
healthy diet. Avoiding high fat cooking methods is important, as
is avoiding the use of high fat creams, butters and sauces. A
vegetable stir fry cooked in healthy olive oil can be a great
addition to any vegetarian menu. And a great fruit salad is both
easy to make and delicious as a snack or a meal.

The only real area of concern when it comes to vegetarianism and
health is the B-complex vitamins, particularly vitamin B12.
Vitamin B12 is almost exclusively derived from animal based
sources, so vegans, who avoid all animal products, should take a
high quality vitamin B12 or B-complex vitamin supplement. It is
also important for vegans to discuss their diet and lifestyle
with their family physicians. As vegetarianism becomes more
widespread, the amount of information on the nutritional needs
of these two groups continues to grow.

The bottom line is that vegetarians can enjoy a very healthy
lifestyle. Making vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans the
centerpiece of the diet is a smart move for many people, and a
good low fat vegetarian diet can be a great way to enjoy a
healthy lifestyle. As with a meat based diet, however, it is
important for vegetarians to follow common sense eating
guidelines and make smart choices when creating meat free meals.

About the author:

A lot of people eat foods that are generally deficient in the
vitamins and minerals. Visit Nutri
tional Supplements Center to learn why it is vital that you
take nutri
tional health supplements.

Tags: animal based products, Animal Flesh, Animal Products, Author, dairy products;, Eating A Healthy Diet, food chain, French Fries, Healthy Food Choices, healthy olive oil, Healthy Vegetarian Diet, Lacto Ovo, Lean Cuts Of Meat, Low Fat Diet, Milk And Dairy Products, Milk Dairy, Nutrition Experts, Nutritional Labels, Ovo Vegetarians, Smart Dietary Choices, Smart Food Choices, soy products, Staples, Supplements Center, Tofu Dishes, Vegetables And Fruits, Vegetarian Diet, Vegetarian Diets, Vegetarian Recipes, Vegetarianism —