And I am still trying to get answers to the DDT in Brantley. Jimi More benefits than risks in higher fish consumption Updated 10/17/2006 10:58 PM By Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY
The benefits of eating fish generally outweigh any risks from potentially high levels of mercury and other contaminants in some species, according to two major reports out Tuesday. A few fish species — shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish — have been found high in methylmercury, linked to learning disabilities and developmental delays in children. Women who are pregnant or likely to become pregnant and children under 12 have been advised to avoid these fish. FISH Q&A: Why you should eat fish, when you shouldn't Confusing messages and inflated fears are keeping the public from getting the benefits that come from eating fish, says Dariush Mozaffarian, lead author of a report by the Harvard School of Public Health. "We were surprised at how little evidence there actually is for some of these harms." The researchers found that just 3 ounces of farmed salmon or 6 ounces of mackerel a week reduce the risk of death from heart disease by 36%. Findings are published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. A second report by the Institute of Medicine, which advises Congress on matters of health and science, says eating fish benefits the heart and helps develop the brains and eyes of children. The institute recommends two 3-ounce servings a week for everyone. Public concerns about the risks are "overblown," based on "fear and misinformation," says William Hogarth of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NOAA and the Food and Drug Administration funded the study. Gerald Leape of the National Environmental Trust says the risks posed by contaminants are greater than the studies suggest. "There's growing evidence that increased levels of fire retardants and PCBs found in fish can cause severe developmental and neurological problems," he says. About 60% of Americans eat seafood regularly; the other 40% eat it once a month or less, says Howard Johnson, a seafood industry analyst. http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2006-10-17-fish-benefits_x.htm And, Why you should eat fish, and when you shouldn't Posted 10/17/2006 10:45 PM ET E-mail | Save | Print | Subscribe to stories like this Two reports were issued Tuesday on seafood and public health, one by the Institute of Medicine and the other was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. USA TODAY's Elizabeth Weise answers questions that the studies might raise for consumers. Q: Why eat fish? A: It's a good, low-fat source of protein. There's also strong evidence that a diet rich in seafood helps prevent heart disease, in part because of high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Q: What fish are especially high in omega-3 fatty acids? A: Oily seafood such as salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, sablefish, trout and anchovies, among others. Q: Who shouldn't eat what? A: Women who are or might become pregnant and children under 12 shouldn't eat fish that have high levels of mercury because mercury can cause developmental problems. Mercury accumulates most readily in large, predatory fish. FDA advises women and children to avoid these four: swordfish, shark, tilefish and king mackerel. Q: What about everyone else? A: Because their brains are already finished growing, men, women who aren't going to have children and kids over 12 aren't at risk from the low levels of mercury in those four fish. And there's good evidence that eating all sorts of fish can lower their risk of heart disease. Q: Is it really fish that's so healthy? A: It's definitely important for infant cognitive and visual development. But in adults it's also possible that people who eat a lot of fish could be eating less red meat and saturated fat, as well as more fruits and vegetables. They also may be exercising more. But for now, it looks as if fish is an especially healthy addition to the diet. Q: What about fish oil pills? A: Fish oil pills are rich in omega-3's. But they don't provide the other benefits, such as a meal of lean protein that's low in saturated fats. Q: What about environmental concerns? A: Neither report addressed environmental concerns. Many fish populations are seriously overfished, while others are still healthy. For those who want to choose fish that's good for them and good for the environment, a list is available at www.oceansalive.org. http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2006-10-17-fish-q-and-a_x.htm
