Is Fish Necessary To Be Healthy?

"Necessary" is too absolute a word to accurately describe the importance of fish for your health. Fish is helpful for health. It's beneficial for health. You could even go so far as to call it a nutritional aid that helps in the fight against many of America's most prevalent deadly diseases. But it's not absolutely necessary in the way that air or water or vitamins are necessary.

Fish and Omega-3 Fatty Acids

The reason you've heard so much about the benefits of fish and fish oil is that fish contains omega-3 fatty acids. Your body does not create omega-3s; you must consume them in your diet to reap the heart-healthy benefits of these fatty acids. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation. Chronic inflammation is associated with fatal diseases that kill large numbers of Americans each year, such as heart disease and cancer. If you're not getting enough omega-3, you may feel tired, moody and forgetful, while experiencing dry skin, heart problems and poor circulation.

Western Diet and Fish Consumption

According to Sabrina Candelaria of the University of Miami Health System, the average American consumes far more omega-6 fatty acid than omega-3 -- up to 30 times more. Omega-6 is found in meat, eggs, dairy products and a number of cooking oils. When it comes to inflammation, omega-6 has the opposite effect of omega-3: it increases inflammation. The overabundance of omega-6 and relative lack of omega-3 in the American diet are major factors in the increasing rate of diseases related to inflammation.

Benefits of Fish

If you find fish unappetizing, you can also obtain omega-3 fatty acids by taking supplements or by consuming nuts and nut oils. But dietitian Jennifer McGuire of the National Fisheries Institute notes that eating fish affords you the benefits of a host of other nutrients in addition to omega-3. Fish contains lean protein, vitamins and minerals that will not be present in a supplement.

Health Concerns

Concerns do exist that eating too much fish may increase your exposure to toxins. The Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, warns that nearly all types of fish contain trace amounts of mercury. Most people can consume these levels without incident, but for children whose nervous systems are still developing, these levels of exposure are a concern. As a result, the FDA advises women who are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant and nursing mothers to avoid shark swordfish, mackerel or tile fish and to limit fish consumption to 12 oz. weekly.