Eating fish, avoiding mercury

Mercury in fish. Photo Source

For those interested in health and sustainability, fish is a real conundrum. Evidence continues to mount for the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, found in richer fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel. However, as the good news for fish oils grows, concern also rises about rising mercury levels now being found in fish. And, news about  how disastrous fish farms have been for the environment can make you wonder if fish just needs to exit the plate altogether.

Humans don't need to eat fish to be healthy. Vegetarian protein sources like beans are hands down the most sustainable, and the cornerstone of a globally-healthy diet in our modern world. But, fish is a wonderful protein source and if we can find ways to balance its availability with the environment, then it's all good. Don't mourn the loss of fish in our oceans and on our plates quite yet, fish-lovers. But, you'll need to spend some time and energy finding out how to eat fish consciously.

Educators at Purdue University aim to help us have our fish and our good health, too.  They've updated their site, Fish for Your Health, with more information and resources on finding clean, healthy, sustainable fish.

The green movement that's kicked into overdrive in the last few years has also brought attention to the disaster that fish farming initially was, and gave a needed push toward healthier farming techniques. Greeniac Nation has some good tips and background on how to buy sustainable fish. Healthier for you, better for fish and people.

Thanks to the reporting and educating that these and other organizations, we can find ways to eat the healthy foods we love while making informed, sustainable choices. I hope you agree, it's worth the effort.