Originally published January 4 2006
Analyst looks at how misunderstandings about mercury in fish have impacted American consumption of seafood
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Goody L. Solomon, writing for the Washington Examiner, explores the possibilities behind America's fish-deficient diet, including rampant fears about mercury poisoning, which many doctors claim is not an issue for most people, excluding pregnant mothers.
New reports highlight that Americans don't eat enough fish and seafood; therefore, they miss out on vital health benefits of fish oils.
Each person in the United States averaged a record 16.6 pounds of fish and seafood last year, a tiny rise from 16.3 pounds in 2003, reports the National Fisheries Institute.
But that amount equals only 5 ounces a week - less than half of the 12 ounces (at least two servings) recommended by the U.S. Dietary Guidelines, among other health recommendations.
Accenting the nation's low seafood intake, 9 of 10 participants in a survey for the University of Maryland said they eat fish and shellfish occasionally, and 36 percent said they eat fish/shellfish once a week or more - again far below the health recommendations.
"There is now plenty of evidence that the consumption of fish �- reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease," they wrote in articles about their new study appearing in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
"Omega-3 fatty acids," they explained, "reduce various abnormalities in heart, blood vessels and blood, including �- hypertension and blood clotting."
Fish consumption, the scientists further underscored, assists development of the fetal and infant brain (and perhaps aids the aging brain).
Other investigations have suggested fish oils boost eye and skin health, protect against certain cancers, and may show therapeutic effects on depression and autoimmune diseases such as lupus, psoriasis and arthritis.
Fish and shellfish, nevertheless, remain unpopular choices in this country, and a major reason seems to be confusion about certain mercury cautions by government and environmentalists, according to both the Harvard researchers and the University of Maryland survey.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Environmental Protection Agency advise pregnant and nursing women, women who might become pregnant and very young children to avoid four species known to be high in mercury: shark, swordfish, tilefish and king mackerel.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml