We all know that fish can be a great source of heart-healthy lean protein. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, swapping in one or two servings of fish as your protein each week can lower heart attack risk by up to one-third. That's thanks to heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which help to reduce inflammation throughout the body, lower triglyceride levels and support brain health, among other benefits. The omega-3s you get from fish -- what are known as long-chain omega-3s, EPA and DHA -- are the most beneficial, according to WebMD.
But that doesn't mean eating fish can't also be fraught with concerns. Many fish species have high levels of the metal mercury -- a dangerous contaminant that can affect the nervous system. Mercury from pollution and that naturally occurs in the atmosphere both settle in our oceans, lakes and streams, where they are consumed by fish and then converted to the toxin, methylmercury. Fish that are high on the food chain consume other contaminated fish, compounding their mercury levels. The primary concern with fish and mercury is in infants and young children, whose developing nervous systems are particularly vulnerable to mercury's effects, but adults who have high exposure levels (an unlikely outcome from eating a few servings of fish) can experience significant central nervous system damage as well. Pregnant and nursing women are advised to be extremely careful about choosing the types of fish to eat.
Methylmercury poisoning is just one environmental concern among many. Fish can also contain the toxicant, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and our taste for fish has led to fishery collapse, decimating many species' populations. Climate change has also had an affect on fish population levels.
So how do you pick fish that are good for you and good for the environment? Several organizations keep track of which fish are low in mercury and other toxicants, aren't endangered and still manage to benefit your heart and brain health. Healthy Living surveyed several of these lists, including National Resources Defense Council, Monterey Bay Aquarium and Environmental Working Group. We asked our friends at HuffPost Taste to round up healthy recipes for these healthy, sustainable fish. Here's our list:
- Anchovies
Read on for some healthful recipes, containing the best fish you can eat -- for yourself and for the planet. And tell us in the comments: How do you prepare your favorite fish?
Fish Recipes
Editor's Note: A previous recommended recipe included blue crab as an ingredient. We've replaced it with a more appropriate recipe.