After a series of reports that tilapia is unhealthy an international coalition of more than a dozen doctors spoke out to clarify that fish like tilapia are low in total and saturated fat, high in protein and clearly part of a healthy diet. According to a report from Wake Forest University in the July issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association about the types of fats in popular seafood has lead to reports that bacon, hamburgers, and doughnuts are a better choice than certain fish.
In this report experts write that replacing tilapia or catfish with bacon, hamburgers or doughnuts’ is absolutely not recommended. The report also mentioned the specifics of the omega-3 versus omega-6 debate, the researchers note that omega-6s are not only found in fish like tilapia, but vegetable oils, nuts, whole-wheat bread and chicken. The experts also revealed that the American Heart Association and the American Dietetic Association agree that, “omega-6 fatty acids are, like omega-3’s, heart-healthy nutrients which should be part of everyone’s diet.”
The doctors say unequivocally that while tilapia and catfish are not rich in omega-3 fatty acids, they “should be considered better choices than most other meat alternatives.” Jennifer Wilmes, registered dietitian with the National Fisheries Institute, told that such misleading reports cannot change science and what the coalition of doctors have said is factual.
