Canadians Wary about Eating Fish
21 May 2008CANADA - Canadians are still reticent when it comes to eating fish, despite its many health benefits.
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.
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