Fish Is Still A Healthy Choice

There's no point in going overboard and casting out fish altogether. Fish is still an excellent source of protein, with much less fat and cholesterol than lean meat. It's a good source of minerals including iron, zinc, magnesium and phosphorous, as well as vitamins A and D; and it is easier to digest than meat and poultry. The most compelling reason to eat fish: It's loaded with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3s are the good-for-you polyunsaturated fatty acids found primarily in oily fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel, tuna and herring. Studies have shown that omega-3s have a number of healthy benefits including:

• Decreasing the risk of heart disease
• Lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and blood pressure levels
• Reducing the inflammation and other symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis
• Supporting normal development of the retina and brain, particularly in infants
• Improving mood, both in depression and bipolar disorders, as well as having a positive impact on attention deficit disorder