You probably know that you should be eating more fish. Fans of the Mediterranean diet have been telling us that the healthy fats in fish are important, and the American Heart Association recommends eating at least two servings of fish, preferably fatty fish, each week. But it’s easy to bypass the seafood counter. There are too many options, maybe fish you don’t recognize, and high price tags. Besides, aren’t we supposed to be avoiding fat?
First, fish fat is different. Unlike other animal fat, it isn’t saturated fat. It’s in the form of omega-3 fatty acids which help slow the buildup of plaque in our arteries and reduce our risk of heart disease. Both healthy people and people who have already been diagnosed with heart disease benefit from adding omega-3 fatty acids to their diets.
And let’s uncomplicated the seafood counter. In order to get two servings of fish every week, you only need to get familiar with buying and preparing a few varieties that you enjoy. What you’re looking for is a few types of fish that are low in mercury and contaminants, have an impressive nutritional profile, are high in healthy oils, and are sustainably caught or farmed. Show up to the seafood counter next time with a plan, and you won’t leave empty-handed. And that smell? As long as it isn’t intensely fishy, ammonia-like, or sour, it’s just part of the seafood experience. Just imagine you’re at the ocean.