Fish: Friend or Foe?

Aaaaaand just like that we're back! I took some time off to get things in order behind the scenes. With your help and continued support Gourmet Soirée has grown so much in our first year of business. Now that everything is in order, the blog has returned. I can't promise a post everyday. However you can expect to read and watch some great content in the coming months so stay tuned!

As we wrap up the holidays, I reflect on all the delicious full fat foods I have eaten over the last few months. In an attempt to kickstart healthier eating habbits I have decided not to consume any red meats. I have also cut back on certain types of poultry. Which leaves me with fish. But then I did some research and asked myself.....

Is Fish really a FRIEND or FOE?

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that fish be consumed twice a week to reap the benefits of lowering your heart rate, blood pressure, and improving blood vessel function. The U.S. Food and Drug administration (FDA) states that fish is a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids, low in saturated fats, and high in protein. However, despite these benefits, there has been great cause for concern regarding the consumtion of fish, particularly as it realtes to the mercury found in fish and its detrimental effects on the body. Mercury poisioning is a type of metal poisoning and a medical condition caused by exposure to mercury or its compounds. Mercury is contained in various products and environmental factors, but one of the greatest risks of mercury exposure is contaminated fish.

So now you may be wondering which fish is best to purchase....Farm Raised or Wild Caught?

The truth is, both efforts of sustainability have their pros and cons. When it comes to mercury levels, both farm raised and wild caught fish are at risk. The better idea is to just consume types of fish that are known to have lower or the lowest mercury levels. My top 4 are slamon, halibut, mahi mahi, shrimp! A healthy diet should include two 6-oz serving of the lower mercury fish a week, whereas the higher mercury- containing fish ( such as shark, mackerel, & swordfish) should be limited to one 6-oz serving per month or less. #foodforthought

Thanks for stopping by, Later Loves!! xoxo