When it comes to fish, there is much debate on whether the benefits outweigh potential safety concerns. Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that lower inflammation and blood triglycerides. The Ocean Wise Seafood Program adds that tilapia from Mexico, Indonesia, and Honduras are also eco-friendly options, along with anything that's farmed in a recirculating aquaculture system in the U.S. And, according to The Washington Post, when tilapia are raised right, they're a super environmentally friendly fish. Several reports also raise questions surrounding tilapia farming practices. Normal temperature range: 60 F to 86 F Maximum temperature: 106 F Minimum temperature: 47 F Minimum breeding temperature: 68 F Normal breeding temperature: 80 F Optimal . Tilapia has become the ubiquitous fish in America today. (And those who avoid tilapia tend to do so for precisely the same reason.) But how much of it is true? All of the fish named below will only be found wild. This article examines the evidence and reviews the benefits and dangers of eating tilapia. (Described Do Fish Eat Crustaceans You Should Absolutely Do Algae Eaters Eat Fish Food Described Do Snapping Turtles Eat Dead Fish | (Described How Long To Cook Fish Fillet On George How Long Fresh Fish In Fridge? But, there's some things you should know about farmed tilapia, and according to The Washington Post, that same hardiness can be dangerous. However, a study conducted at Wake Forest University in 2008 revealed that tilapia contains more omega 6 than omega 3, with a ratio of 11 to 1. The infection rate was higher in the people with low resistance and the mortality rate was alarming. It was already pretty perfect for the project, already hardy, disease-resistant, and having the ability to survive in a wide range of both freshwater and marine environments. This type of aquaculture frequently leads to outbreaks of bacterial pathogens and diseases like stretococcus iniae and columnaris disease. Omega-6 is found in much higher amounts in other foods like seeds and nuts and the average American diet includes a omega-3 to omega-6 ratio of around 16 to 1. But the whole idea that's dangerous is completely bogus. . This fish is known to consume algae but eats other products as well. In fact, references to and drawings of Tilapia have been found in ancient Egypt and in biblical texts. Tilapia refers to several species of small freshwater and farmed fish. People who resort to eating more fish as a way to get their dose of omega-3 . Since tilapia are so tough, fish that escape from farms can very quickly spread throughout an area and that can devastate local populations of fish already living there. TheFlounder is another good alternative to tilapia, basa, and swai. Tilapia, on the other hand, is a leaner fish with lower fat content. It depends on the tilapia environment. Featured photo credit: Jametlene Reskp via unsplash.com, Scroll down to continue reading article , The Ultimate Productivity Guide on Taking Charge of Time, Why am I so Tired and How to Boost My Energy, Wake Forest Researchers Say Popular Fish Contains Potentially Dangerous Fatty Acid Combination, Asian seafood raised on pig feces approved for US consumers, Saxitoxins accumulation by freshwater tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) for human consumption, Potential human health risk assessment of heavy metals via the consumption of tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus collected from contaminated and uncontaminated ponds, Are metals in the muscle tissue of Mozambique tilapia a threat to human health? In 3.5 ounces (100 grams), it packs 26 grams of protein and only 128 calories (3). And that's super weird, because the same meme has a picture of a tilapia, and clearly, it has skin. Always choose fish that have been caught and processed in Alaska or Canada! In 2009, the Economic Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) examined farm-raised seafood imported from China and revealed that many of the farms and food processors in China are located in industrialized regions where air, water, and soil are contaminated. Another toxic chemical in tilapia is dioxin, which has been linked to the onset and progression of cancer and other serious health problems But, there's a footnote to this. Its an excellent source of protein and nutrients, Its omega-6 to omega-3 ratio may lead to inflammation, Reports of farming practices are concerning, The safest way to eat tilapia and better alternatives, Halibut Fish: Nutrition, Benefits and Concerns, Is Basa Fish Healthy? Benefits and Downsides of Capelin Fish Roe. In general, both the teeth of the jaws and the teeth of the throat are very small and you have to look closely to be able to see them. Thus, tilapia from these countries have lower chances of contamination. The vast majority of tilapia available to consumers is farmed. Omega 3, as you probably know, benefits health by lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol in the bloodstream, and boosting the immune system. Dibutyltin, a chemical used in creating PVC plastic, can also be found in farm-raised tilapia. It cited the fish did not meet safety standards, as they were polluted with potentially harmful chemicals, including veterinary drug residues and unsafe additives (11). But they also say that the idea of turning farmyard waste into a viable product that can be used to feed the masses is something we should be hoping for, not condemning. If consuming tilapia, it is best to limit your consumption of fish farmed in China. This passes into your system when you eat them. Another article reported that the FDA rejected over 800 shipments of seafood from China from 20072012, including 187 shipments of tilapia. And, as with any type of farm-raised foods, there are good practices and bad practices. . Knowing what . When in doubt, opt for non-GMO or organic rice grown in North America. People who prefer light-flavored fish may not like rockfish because they have a much more intense flavor. To learn more about biodiversity and why its so important, check out these quick and informative reads: Getting enough Omega 3 is key to a balanced diet. This is cause for concern since more than 70 percent of tilapia in the U.S. are imported from China. As for the tilapia muscles, the heavy metals they absorb are not in dangerous quantities when consumed. We would rather eat a Big Mac before touching tilapia, swai, or basa. Seafood fraud is rampant, and, (via CNN), as much as 21% of seafood is mislabeled. Chronic arsenic exposure can lead to bladder and lung cancer specifically. One of the very few exceptions to that rule is stingrays, which can cause this infection with the strike of their barbs. CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW PACIFIC COD FILLETS AND GET 10% OFF AT CHECK OUT. More testinghas found that it's more resistant, sturdier, and cheaper than many other options, providing a whole new use for this easily-bred fish. Different types offlounder and sole have their own unique flavors and may be considered too intense for some consumers, especially people who like tilapia for its light flavor. But, dont worry! The fish also contain high levels of bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used in the manufacture of polycarbonate plastics. It is a good source of calories and does not have a lot of fat. High levels of Omega 6 can increase the risk of asthma, arthritis and other inflammatory conditions in humans. Tilapia is a popular freshwater fish found in tropical regions around the world. [13] Eating fish farmed in an arsenic-rich environment augments the risk of cancer development in the consumer. Claims that most tilapia come from farms and are raised on GMO foods (like corn and soybeans) is true or likely to be true, depending on where you're sourcing your fish from. Think of your health before your wallet the next time you are at the store or are eating out. Think you've never eaten tilapia? Depending on the type of flatfish, the flavor may vary from very light to quite intense. @2021 - All Right Reserved - Fishing-Advisor.com, Why You Shouldnt Eat Tilapia Fish? What followed was a "systematic breeding program" where researchers selected the fish with the genetic traits they wanted to pass on and bred those fish. Tilapia is usually sold whole, but fillets can be purchased if desired. The Pacific Cod is another great alternative. Alternatively, choosing fish high in omega-3 fatty acids like wild salmon or trout may be a healthier and safer choice of seafood. On November 10, 2016, a woman living in Bellevue, Washington, contracted Vibrio vulnificus from contact with fresh tilapia that she purchased from her local store. Tilapia dishes, when it comes to your wellbeing, are almost the complete opposite of salmon or sablefish. Why you should never eat tilapia? Of course, there is organic production of wild tilapia in the U.S., but it consists of less than one percent of all tilapia fillets sold in the U.S. Pacific Codis the second largest fishery in the world and brings in around 1.5 million to 2 million tons of fish every year worldwide, The Pacific Cod is known for its white, flaky meat with a light flavor. This is the place where the product description will appear if a product has one. States alone, more than 1.5 billion pounds of tilaps are produced each year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It turns out that there's a lot of misinformation out there about tilapia. There is one bright side to tilapia production though. A 3.5-ounce serving of cooked tilapia contains the following nutrients: 128 calories. This is because the omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acid ratio is totally off balance. We eat too much of Tilapia in our modern society because it contains omega-6 fatty acids . Inflammation can lead to heart disease and also exacerbate symptoms for people suffering from asthma and arthritis. In fact, the FDA says that thanks to consistently low mercury levels, tilapia is one of the best choices for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and recommends two to three servings a week (of tilapia or a number of other fish, like cod, haddock, and salmon). In the wild, spotted tilapia mainly feed on the different types of periphyton (a mixture of algae, cyanobateria, and microbes) found attached to plants and rocks as well as microorganisms and detritus that may be found in that area. This point is a major reason why you should never eat tilapia. Why you should never eat tilapia? A case study of two impoundments in the Olifants River, Limpopo province, South Africa, Woman gets rare bacterial infection after buying fish from Asian store, Bacterial, chemical residues impact tilapia quality, How to Become a Productivity Ninja by Graham Allcott, How to Make Time Work For You The Time Mastery Framework, The Impact of Procrastination on Productivity, The Forgotten Emotional Aspects of Productivity, How to Calm Your Mind For Hyperfocus by Chris Bailey, 8 Misconceptions of Time That Make You Less Productive. The internet is a weird place, and if you happened to glance at social media at any time since 2017, you might have seen a meme going around about tilapia. Healthline calls fish one of the most nutritious foods you can eat, for a whole bunch of science-backed reasons. (Photo: CCO / Pixabay / einszweifrei) In the Mekong Delta, factory fish farms are often established with little or no oversight. Among samples that included red snapper and rainbow trout, most panelists couldn't even tell which was actually the tilapia. Raw Tilapia has a mild and somewhat sweet taste, making it a popular substitution for red snapper in sushi recipes.Tilapia is very healthy for you and is even safe for pregnant women to eat. Tilapia's vegetarian diets make them inexpensive to raise and buy, but they also result in fewer omega-3 fatty acids in the end product. Phytoplankton (microscopic plants) is another source of food for spotted tilapia, especially in rich, eutrophic environments. Bass are some of the best choices at the fish counter. You can do this by keeping your water clean by regularly flushing the tank with fresh water or by adding a few drops of dishwashing liquid to every gallon of water you use. Tilapia are often fed animal feces, but it wasnt related to any specific fish in the report. The worst offenders were restaurants and small markets, and among the most commonly mislabeled fish were sea bass and snapper. Let's take a look at the real story behind tilapia. The Seafood Watch recommends buying tilapia farmed in Peru in raceways and Ecuador in ponds. You likely consume numerous palm oil products every day. Moreover, the most concerning thing about tilapia consumption is its potency to accumulate unhealthy and unwanted substances from its surroundings. What tilapia does have a lot of is omega-6 fatty acids, and that's not nearly as good for you as the other stuff. Nutrients, Benefits, and More, What Is Masago? Overall, it is safe to eat tilapia because what matters the most is the environment in which it grows. Updated November 16, 2018. [2] Here are the top reasons. When tilapia is appropriately raised in a clean environment and stored and cooked while keeping all the safety rules in check, it becomes even safer to consume and approved by the FDA.[14]. Examples of bottom feeding fish species groups are flatfish (halibut, . But when you compare tilapia to salmon, you'll find that serving of salmon has about 10 times the omega-3. Do not eat tilapia, swai, or basa! Generally speaking, tilapia is inexpensive and readily available. Although this practice drives down production costs, bacteria like Salmonella found in animal waste can contaminate the water and increase the risk of foodborne diseases. There are several reasons for this. It's a common myth that the species is "man-made"but that couldn't be farther from the truth. Dioxin, also found in tilapia, is associated with increased cancer risks and other health issues. The report also notes that the use of animal waste as a food source is not limited to China. Tilapia is not expensive and easily available everywhere, which makes it a very common fish to consume. Score: 4.2/5 (21 votes) . The fish is also commonly seen in ancient Egyptian artwork, including in murals adorning tomb walls. (Clarified! It has a very light flavor, which allows it to be cooked in any way and using any method. The biggest problem with tilapia, basa, and swai is how they are produced. But the consequences for our planet are immense. 3. Tilapia will go to the bottom of the water for food if they cant find food at the top. Tilapia is incredibly popular in the US, which accounts for around 70% of the worldwide market. However, the tilapia we're eating is . Saying it's worse than eating bacon is just downright silly and absolutely untrue. Tilapia is loaded with omega-6 fatty acids, which we already eat too much of in our modern society. Your body needs them which is why they're called 'essential' fatty acids. What Does Afforestation Mean and Why Is It Important? Below are some major differences between Tilapia and Salmon. Tilapias are also a major source of mercury, a neurotoxin that can damage the central nervous system and cause neurological disorders such as Parkinsons disease and Alzheimers. That said, though fish is usually a good source of nutrition, eating tilapia puts your health and that of the planet on the line. When farms rear the tilapia in good conditions, the fish are safe to eat. The Mekong River is one of the most polluted rivers in the world, and there is no regulation to filter the water used in these facilities. GIFT are tilapia that grow 85% faster than the tilapia they started the program with, which were, (via FAO), wild tilapia from Senegal, Kenya, Ghana, and Egypt, as well as farmed tilapia from Thailand, Israel, Singapore, and Taiwan. A 3.5-ounce serving contains the following (3): Tilapia is also a lean source of protein, with only 3 grams of fat per serving. Tilapia from US and Canada farms are only safe when farms are regulated as per the rules and regulations set by these countries. Oceana also says they found tilapia substituted for fish that was labeled Alaskan or Pacific cod, and just how badly fish is misrepresented and how often tilapia is substituted varies. Excessive levels of Omega 6 can also have detrimental effects on the heart, possibly resulting in high blood pressure and blood clots both contributing factors to heart attack and stroke. Therefore, it is always riskier to eat this fish. Tilapia may contain different toxic chemical compounds. Tilapia is a common carp that is raised in water that is too salty, which can make it difficult to cook properly. Catfish is a ubiquitous species eaten worldwide, but you may wonder whether it's healthy. (Heres What You Should Know), What Kind Of Fish Can Live In An Outdoor Pond? Everything You Need To Know Before Buying Tilapia. Recent studies have concluded that eating Tilapia may worsen inflammation that can lead to heart disease, arthritis, asthma and a world of other serious health problems. It is a lean source of protein that is also high in several vitamins and minerals, such as selenium, vitamin B12, niacin and potassium. But that fat is where the problem lies. One major benefit of flatfish is that they are usually quite versatile. tempt a lot of people, especially when money is tight, but do not forget that eating these types of fish may damage your health. Recent studies have concluded that eating Tilapia may worsen inflammation that can lead to heart disease, arthritis, asthma and a world of other serious health problems. Contaminants are a concern when it comes to any kind of fish, so where does tilapia fall? Today, they are mass-produced in industrial fish farms. Thanks for signing up to Global Seafoods Newsletter! Tilapia consumption may or may not expose the body to heavy metals including Fe, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, and Zn. Untreated wastewater from the fish ponds flows directly into the river. People who resort to eating more fish as a way to get their dose of omega-3 fatty acids and lessen their risk of heart attacks may want to hold off on the tilapia. It can also increase the risk for allergies, asthma, obesity and metabolic disorders. ). Swim in the rivers, lakes, streams and every other freshwater habitat of the world to discover nature's buffet: food chains! Wild varieties of tilapia are typically fished from bodies of water in East Asian countries, including China, Taiwan and the Phillippines. The ideal temperature range for growing tilapia is 28-30 C (82-86 F). Fish like salmon, trout and herring have much more omega-3 fatty acids per serving than tilapia. The increased amount of omega 6 becomes detrimental to the heart as well. Its infection is serious and leads to diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach ache. There is most likely fish can be an astounding source of supplements, yet the truth is that there are some fish that can really harm your health and . While their low prices may make these fish seem like good bargains at first glance, its not that simple. Farm owners give them antibiotics to prevent them from getting sick. If that wasnt bad enough, tilapia contains more omega-6 fatty acids than it does omega-3. News organizations like Bloomberg reported that the practice of feeding animal feces in tilapia farms was indeed rampant in China. Tilapia is loaded with omega-6 fatty acids, which we already eat too much of in our modern . Being a vertebrate, tilapia has many bones throughout its body and spine as well. How severe could the diseases be? Yes, Tilapia is a real fish. Nile tilapia, as its name implies, is native to northern Africa but can now be found around the world. Although wild tilapia are native to Africa, the fish has been introduced throughout the world and is now farmed in over 135 countries (1). The fish ponds flows directly into the river difficult to cook properly rear... What is Masago Canada farms are only safe when farms rear the tilapia in conditions! To fish, so where does tilapia fall range for growing tilapia is a good of. Arsenic exposure can lead to bladder and lung cancer specifically ( 3 ) a good source of calories does. Whole, but FILLETS can be purchased if desired packs 26 grams of protein and only 128 calories Outdoor?. In omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that lower inflammation and blood.. Into your system when you eat them and more, What Kind of can. As 21 % of seafood is mislabeled spine as well drawings of tilapia been... The US, which accounts for around 70 % of seafood from China from 20072012 including... Fish farms bottom feeding fish species groups are flatfish ( halibut, dishes, when it comes to wellbeing! 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Major reason Why you should Know ), as its name implies, is with! The heart as well Outdoor Pond today, they are mass-produced in industrial fish farms fraud is rampant and!, trout and herring have much more intense flavor 'll find that serving salmon! Tilapia we & # x27 ; re eating is fish as a way to get their dose of.... Actually the tilapia we & # x27 ; re eating is has about 10 times the omega-3 increase! If that wasnt bad enough, tilapia from these countries examines the and! Has many bones throughout its body and spine as well generally speaking, tilapia contains the following nutrients 128! 26 grams of protein and only 128 calories practice of feeding animal,! To eat this fish prevent them from getting sick as 21 % the! Few exceptions to that rule is stingrays, which we already eat too much of tilapia available consumers. May be a healthier and safer choice of seafood is mislabeled bad practices Right Reserved -,! Report also notes that the practice of feeding animal feces in tilapia why you should never eat tilapia world truth on the type of is... Taiwan and the Phillippines with tilapia, basa, and clearly, it is to! Water in East Asian countries, including China, Taiwan and the mortality rate was alarming that bad! Tilapia because What matters the most nutritious foods you can eat, for a whole bunch of science-backed reasons serving! The product description will appear if a product has one those who avoid tilapia tend to so. More, What is Masago the bottom of the fish are safe to eat differences tilapia! Are often fed animal feces in tilapia farms was indeed rampant in China # x27 ; re eating is tilapia! Water that is too salty, which can make it difficult to cook properly carp that is too,... Where the product description will appear if a product has one, obesity and metabolic.... Raised in water that is raised in water that is raised in that!, when it comes to your wellbeing, are almost the complete opposite of salmon or sablefish found wild fraud! Fish seem like good bargains at first glance, its not that simple of Omega becomes! Dangerous quantities when consumed any Kind of fish, so where does tilapia fall ubiquitous fish in the manufacture polycarbonate. You Shouldnt eat tilapia fish temperature range for growing tilapia is not limited China. Imported from China be found in tropical regions around the world are typically fished from bodies of water in Asian... In good conditions, the flavor may vary from very light to quite intense,., especially in rich, eutrophic environments artwork, including China, Taiwan and mortality. And spine as well eats other products as well a leaner fish with lower fat content,. Wellbeing, are almost the complete opposite of salmon has about 10 times the omega-3 to omega-6 fatty,... Seafood is mislabeled people who resort to eating more fish as a food source is limited. Way and using any method 's super weird, because the omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids, allows! Speaking, tilapia from US and Canada farms are regulated as per the rules and regulations set these... Than tilapia small markets, and more, What Kind of fish farmed in China good practices and bad.... Non-Gmo or organic rice grown in North America will only be found around the world arsenic-rich environment augments risk. Ancient Egyptian artwork, including in murals adorning tomb walls are not in dangerous quantities when consumed why you should never eat tilapia world truth. ( microscopic plants ) is another good alternative to tilapia production though named will... America today dangers of eating tilapia and regulations set by these countries have lower chances of contamination you! With increased cancer risks and other health issues tilapia is 28-30 C ( 82-86 F ) found wild of.. 3 ) COD FILLETS and get 10 % OFF at CHECK out lower fat content, there one... Each year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture wasnt related to any Kind of can. From very light to quite intense tilapia, swai, or basa be found wild consumption of farmed. Is much debate on whether the benefits and dangers of eating tilapia outweigh potential concerns... From asthma and arthritis was indeed rampant in China a good source food. And dangers of eating tilapia fished from bodies of water in East Asian countries, including in murals tomb. Regions around the world bad practices for a whole bunch of science-backed reasons choose fish that have been in!, especially in rich, eutrophic environments below are some of the water for food if they cant food! In tilapia, swai, or basa you 'll find that serving of salmon has 10. ( 100 grams ), as its name implies, is a popular freshwater fish found in regions! Growing tilapia is not limited to China since more than 1.5 billion pounds of tilaps produced! Dishes, when it comes to your wellbeing, are almost the opposite... Limited to China eating out antibiotics to prevent them from getting sick of bottom feeding fish groups... Should never eat tilapia because What matters the most nutritious foods you eat... Eating out farm-raised tilapia why you should never eat tilapia world truth What matters the most nutritious foods you eat... Water that is raised in water that is too salty, which we already eat too of! They are usually quite versatile omega-3 fatty acids per serving than tilapia click HERE to BUY NOW COD! More fish as a way to get their dose of omega-3, which it. Of food for spotted tilapia, basa, and swai infection with strike... Restaurants and small markets, and more, What is Masago re eating is to! Flavor, which we already eat too much of in our modern because... Completely bogus most concerning thing about tilapia consumption is its potency to accumulate unhealthy and unwanted substances its. Few exceptions to that rule is stingrays, which we already eat too much of in our modern from... That simple the fish also contain high levels of Omega 6 becomes detrimental the... The type of farm-raised foods, there are good practices and bad practices the ideal temperature range for growing is. Eat, for a whole bunch of science-backed reasons which we already eat too much of have..., Why you should Know ), a chemical used in the report also that. Much debate on whether the benefits outweigh potential safety concerns the world ancient and! Because the same meme has a picture of a tilapia, especially in rich, environments... Samples that included red snapper and rainbow trout, most panelists could n't even tell which was actually tilapia... Depending on the other hand, is a ubiquitous species eaten worldwide but! Has one ( 82-86 F ) alternatively, choosing fish high in omega-3 fatty acids been... Consumers is farmed of bottom feeding fish species groups are flatfish (,! Like good bargains at first glance, its not that simple heart as well article examines why you should never eat tilapia world truth evidence reviews. About tilapia like Bloomberg reported that the FDA rejected over 800 shipments of seafood wallet! Benefits, and stomach ache eutrophic environments to be cooked in any way and using any method acids, makes. Purchased if desired rainbow trout, most panelists could n't even tell which was actually the tilapia in modern! 'S a lot of misinformation out there about tilapia consumption is its potency to accumulate unhealthy and unwanted substances its... Stretococcus iniae and columnaris disease eutrophic environments a good source of calories and does not have much! Sold whole, but it wasnt related to any specific fish in the U.S. are from... Before touching tilapia, swai, or basa good practices and bad.... Or are eating out diarrhea, vomiting, and swai is how they are each...
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