What is Tilapia?
Tilapia is actually a name given to several species of freshwater fish throughout the world. Although they are native to Africa, China is the world’s largest producer. Tilapia is actually the perfect farming fish because they don’t mind being crowded, they grow quickly and eat a very cheap vegetarian diet. So what does this mean? It’s cheap!……………oh sorry, I mean inexpensive.
Health Benefits
Tilapia is actually very high in protein. With a 3.5 ounce piece it would pack 26 grams of protein and only 126 calories. It does contain a lot of vitamins and minerals such as niacin, vitamin B12, phosphorus, selenium, and potassium just to name a few. I personally do not eat Tilapia due to its unhealthy benefits, fat content, and the farming practices. So it’s not the greatest or healthiest choice for a good seafood meal.
Unhealthy Benefits
So normally, fish is probably one of the best, healthiest foods in the world. For example, salmon, trout, sardines, and tuna are extremely high in omega-3 fatty acids which lower inflammation, and blood triglycerides, and reduce the chances of getting heart disease. However, tilapia has 10 times less omega-3 fatty acids than the other fish mentioned. Also, it’s high in omega-6 fatty acids which can be harmful and increase inflammation and heart disease. So wait there’s more! You might not want to buy tilapia after I explain this next part. I will put a link below so you can read about it yourself. So I mentioned earlier about why I personally do not eat tilapia. One of the reasons were the farming practices and the diet tilapia is fed. A report from the U.S. FDA, revealed that it’s not uncommon for the tilapia coming from outside the country to be fed feces from livestock animals! Yes feces as in POOP! This lowers production costs but increases the chance of foodborne diseases. With 73% of tilapia imported to the U.S., I suggest not eating it!…………Wait I’m not done yet! Tilapia might also be polluted with harmful chemicals, oh this keeps getting better and better. So another report from the FDA revealed that tilapia did not meet safety standards because they were polluted with a potentially harmful veterinary drug! It has also been reported that toxic chemicals are still being used in the farming practices today despite being banned decades ago! I can post later what seafood I eat and why? Also, I can try to post some other good links to helpful information on other foods I eat or just healthy foods in general if you would like to try them.
I am hoping that we have all learned something new and maybe I have provided you with some food for thought to make healthier choices in the seafood department. I am not writing this to tell you not to eat it, I am here to help you make healthier choices to live a happy and healthy life. I want you to decide what you eat, but I want to coach you in the right direction.
As always, thanks for reading my blog and go live your best self. And may you live a happier and healthier life.
Darren
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/tilapia-fish#TOC_TITLE_HDR_5
Harmony Shift 