Going Green.. with Fish!

Fish is good for you and the environment!

What would you consider a good source of fat, a lean protein high in vitamins and minerals, that does not contribute to the production of methane greenhouse gas?

Fish!

Methane, produced by farm animals, is a powerful greenhouse gas and is considered 20 times more harmful than carbon dioxide at trapping solar energy. Choosing to eat fish while decreasing your beef intake will not only give you all of the health benefits associated with omega-3 fatty acids but also will potentially decrease dangerous greenhouse gas production.

An American Heart Association scientific statement on fish consumption, fish oils, omega fatty acids, and cardiovascular disease emphasizes the benefits of eating fish and recommends at least two servings of fish per week. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are the omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish, with mackerel, salmon, trout, sardines, and herring being excellent sources. Approximately 1 gram of EPA/DHA can be obtained from 100 grams (3.5 ounces) of oily fish.

So what If I Don’t Like to Eat Fish?

Remember that there are three types of omega-3 fatty acids used by the body: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), EPA, and DHA. Once eaten, the body converts ALA to EPA and DHA, the two types of omega-3 fatty acids most readily used by the body. Although fish are an excellent source of EPA and DHA, plants are excellent sources of ALA. Sources of ALA include oils from flaxseed and canola, soybeans, walnuts, and wheat germ. Adding flaxseed or wheat germ to ready-to-eat cereals or using canola oil for cooking are ways you could incorporate more omega-3 fatty acids into your diet. Examples of foods fortified with omega-3 fatty acids include milk-based products, juices, table spreads, salad dressings, sauces, breakfast cereals, baked goods, sauces, infant formulas, and baby foods and juices, among others. Omega-3 fatty acids are also available in the form of dietary supplements.

There are many healthy choices when it comes to incorporating healthful fats into your diet. Just remember, even though these fatty acids provide a “good” source of fat, don’t go overboard. Fat is still fat, even if it is good for you and for the environment, so make your choices wisely!