What’s Health Wise: More Fish—Or Less? (NAPSA)—At a time when con- cerns about mercury in seafood are causing many Americans to eat less fish, experts say not get- ting enough seafood in the diet may rob you and your family of important health benefits. The National Women’s Health Resource Center (NWHRC) said a comprehensive review found the benefits of the omega-3 fatty acids in fish are substantial. While there are documented IT’S NO FISH STORY: getting enough risks to the unborn fetus if pregnant women consume high amounts of mercury in fish, womenof child- tant health benefits. high in mercury with fish low in mercury such as shrimp, salmon, omega-3 fatty acids, which may bearing age can simply replace fish pollock, rainbow trout, catfish and cannedlight tuna. “Fish and shellfish are an im- portant part of a healthy diet, but unfortunately, the many benefits of seafood are being discounted by consumers worried about mercury levels in fish,” said Amy Niles, president of the NWHRC. “We need to right the balance so that the public will know that fish is a safe and very healthy food and is critical to a balanced and nutritious diet.” Because the body cannot manufacture the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, people who restrict fish consumption may be putting seafood in the diet can provide you and your family with impor- “Fish are an excellent source of protect against coronary heart dis- ease and stroke, and are thought to aid in the neurological development of unborn babies,” said Joshua Cohen, lead author and senior research associate at the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis. “If that information gets lost in how the public perceives this issue, then people may inappropriately curtail fish consumption and increase their risk for adverse health outcomes.” Studies show that during pregnancy, the omega-3 fatty acids in fish enhance brain and eye developmentof the fetus, prolong gestation, increase birth weight and themselves and their families at a greater risk for heart disease and stroke. A landmark analysis con- reduce the likelihood of premature birth. During childhood, omega-3 Risk Analysis and published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine said if pregnant women consumeless of the essen- are also associated with a slower decline in mental acuity in older ducted by the Harvard Center for fatty acids aid cognitive and visual development. Omega-3 fatty acids tial omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, the cognitive development of people and a smaller chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The NWHRC is the leading independent health information their offspring may be reduced. resource for women.
