$Unique_ID{BRK01181}
$Pretitle{Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases}
$Title{Are Health Claims About Fish True?}
$Subject{food fish diet heart}
$Volume{N-26}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Are Health Claims About Fish True?


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QUESTION:  My wife is on a health food kick, and is now serving a lot more
fish than we are used to eating.  I don't mind getting used to this new diet
if I was sure that it was doing me some good.  Do you feel that all the health
claims about fish are sufficiently true to make this change?

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ANSWER:  I doubt that your wife is alone in changing the cuisine that is being
served at the table in most American homes, for the idea that new dietary
habits can reduce the numbers of many of the leading causes of death is now
pretty well accepted by various authorities.  The belief is that high levels
of cholesterol and saturated fat lead to heart disease, high blood pressure,
and stroke, and that lowering the quantities of foods that contain large
quantities of these substances can help to protect us.  The recommendations of
both the American Heart Association and the National Cholesterol Education
program is to consume a diet containing less than 30 percent fat calories per
day, and no more than 300 mg of cholesterol.  The fats or oils in fish differ
from those found in animal products and include a highly polyunsaturated
omega-3 fatty acid, which is thought to be the element in the diet of the
Eskimos of Greenland which seems to protect them from heart disease and
stroke.  Cold water fish are particularly high in this fatty acid, so choose
from halibut, salmon, snapper and rainbow trout for your source.  Natural
sources are preferable to capsules which do not contain the wide variety of
vitamins and minerals found in seafood which are so important to a healthy
diet.  The preparation of seafood is also important if you are to profit from
your new food choice.  Fish are best served boiled, broiled, baked, poached,
steamed or grilled, but frying in high saturated fats is certainly a no-no.
Choose vegetable oils for food preparation when necessary, using oils such as
safflower, sunflower, olive, or corn.  Eating a fish dish or two during the
week as a substitute for meat will help cut back on the saturated animal fats
they contain, but still leave room for a lean, well trimmed steak or slice of
beef to be included in your week's menu.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
