Fish has been a staple in the human diet for centuries, often praised for its health benefits, such as providing a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids crucial for maintaining good heart health and brain function. However, recent evidence raises concerns about the safety, sustainability, and ethics of fish consumption, casting a shadow over this seemingly healthy food source.
Whether a certain food product carries health benefits or not depends on what it is replacing in your diet. In a typical Western diet, fish often replace red meat.
In that setting it provides a health benefit. It is better to eat fish than red meat, but it is much better to avoid animal protein at all. In low-income food-deficit countries, fish may be an important and necessary food and nutritional resource, but in a Western diet there are no needs nor health benefits of including fish.
In this article, we will explore the various reasons why fish are unhealthy for humans to eat compared to a whole-food plant-based diet. We will discuss the presence of harmful contaminants and parasites in fish, the environmental impact of commercial fishing, including damage caused by trawling, and biodiversity and animal welfare concerns. Additionally, we will present alternative sources of omega-3 fatty acids that offer a healthier and more environmentally friendly option.