What is healthy about fish?
Fish and shellfish are excellent sources of protein. Protein is needed to maintain healthy tissue, which is especially important for pregnant women and children who are growing rapidly. Fish is low in the artery-clogging saturated fats found in meat. It is also rich in healthy omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which can decrease triglycerides and plaque in the arteries, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. In babies they promote the development of the central nervous system. What is unhealthy about fish? Since fish live in oceans, lakes, rivers and bays, they are exposed to pollutants that enter the water from different sources. Industries and cities pump waste into the water; factories send smoke into the air, which rains down into the water; and rain washes run-off from agriculture, mines and waste disposal sites into the water. As a result, fish can become contaminated with toxic chemicals and infectious diseases. Contaminated fish poses health ri
