Canadians Wary about Eating Fish

The average Canadian adult consumes just one serving of fish every seven to 10 days, despite Canada's Food Guide recommendations to include two servings of fish each week, according to a report in the Windsor Star newspaper.

The newspaper says that although research has shown that omega-3 DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) - an essential fatty acid found in fish - has a positive effect on heart health and plays an important role in the normal development and function of the brain, fish does not play an important role in Canadian diets.

Omega-3 DHA and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) also play a vital role in lowering cholesterol, reducing risk of cancer and eye diseases, acting as an anti-inflammatory and helping prevent depression and memory loss.

The American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada recently released a joint position paper outlining a recommended intake or Omega-3.

They concluded adults should consume 500 milligrams of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, namely DHA and EPA, daily. For children, the recommendations are 70 milligrams of DHA and EPA daily for kids over three and 29 milligrams for children two to three years old.

And the Windsor Star says that while wild sockeye salmon is a rich source of omega-3, many restaurants are pulling it off their menus.

TheFishSite News Desk

Sign up for our
regular news updates

Latest Industry News

•   Britain Makes the Switch to Sustainable Species
•   Council Supports Local Oyster Industry
•   EU Approves Block Exemption for State Aid
•   500 Marine Protected Areas Established in Philippines
•   Parliament Passes Fisheries Bill
•   Scottish Fishermenn Maintain Pressure over Fuel
•   Update on Ganglioneuritis Virus in Abalone
•   Lack of Fish Farming Policy Force Prices Down
•   Governor Impressed by Seafood Industry
•   New Zealand Fast Forward Bold Step Forward