In 2012, researchers published an analysis of the diets of kids aged two to seven… Chemicals and heavy metals in kids’ bodies from the foods they ate were indeed found to exceed safety levels by a larger margin than in adults. Cancer risk ratios, for instance, were exceeded by a factor of up to 100 or more. For every child studied, benchmark levels were surpassed…
Where in the food supply are these pollutants found? Today, most DDT comes from meat, particularly fish. The oceans seem to have become, essentially, humanity’s sewer: Everything eventually flows into the sea. The same is true when it comes to dietary exposure to PCBs—another set of banned chemicals. A study of more than 12,000 food and feed samples across 18 countries found that the highest PCB contamination was found in fish and fish oil… The lowest contamination was found at the bottom of the food chain, in plants.
Hexachlorobenzene, another pesticide banned nearly a half century ago, today may be found mainly in dairy and meat, including fish. Perfluorochemicals, or PFCs? Overwhelmingly found in fish and other meats. The contaminants in fish may help explain studies showing an association between fish consumption and diabetes.
A single serving of fish each week during pregnancy, for example, can lead to more mercury in their infant’s body than injecting them directly with about a dozen mercury-containing vaccines.
https://nutritionfacts.org/topics/fish
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Are omega-3s found in plant foods?
Omega-3 fatty acids are readily available in a wide variety of plant foods. Sources include walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, edamame, seaweed, and algae. Other green leafy vegetables and beans also contain small amounts.
Are plant-based omega-3 sources different from fish-based sources?
Plant-derived omega-3s come in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) - which is the only essential omega-3 fatty acid. Our bodies cannot synthesize it, so we must consume ALA through our diets. The body naturally converts ALA into longer chain omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)—which is important for brain health—and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).
…according to findings from the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) Study, women following plant-based diets actually had significantly more long-chain omega-3 fats in their blood, compared with fish-eaters, meat-eaters, and ovo-lacto vegetarians…plant-based participants converted robust amounts of shorter-chain fatty acids into these long-chain fatty acids, compared to fish eaters.
Do people eating plant-based diets have adequate omega-3 levels?
Most people following plant-based diets have no problem getting enough omega-3s in their diets. One study found that people who follow plant-based diets, on average, have intakes above the recommended amounts for omega-3 fats.
Is a plant-based diet healthy for the brain?
Plant-based foods are beneficial to the brain and may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Research shows that saturated and trans fats—found in animal products, pastries, and fried foods—can increase the risk for cognitive decline. Additionally, researchers note the advantage of a plant-based diet for heart health compared with nonvegans.
Is fish consumption heart-healthy?
Although some of the fat found in fish comes in the healthy omega-3 form, much of the remaining fat is unhealthful saturated fat… Diets high in saturated fat and cholesterol can increase the risk for heart disease. On the other hand, a plant-based diet has been proven to prevent, and even reverse, heart disease. A recent study found that while replacing red meat with plant-based protein lowers the risk for heart disease, replacing red meat with fish did not reduce the risk.
What about fish oil supplements?
Although fish oil supplements have been touted as a cure for everything from heart problems to arthritis, current research shows that there may not be any benefits to taking the supplement. According to a review that combined data from 20 studies, the use of omega-3 supplements over a two-year period had no effect on heart-related death, heart attack, or stroke. Another study found no link between fish oil supplements and the prevention or improvement of dementia.
By focusing on plant foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes, you’ll get the full range of essential nutrients without the toxins and other health risks associated with fish consumption!
https://www.pcrm.org/good-nutrition/nutrition-information/omega-3
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“The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish was found to increase IQ scores up to 10 points when mothers consume these during pregnancy. But even better is to consume plant-based omega-3 fatty acids as ALL fish are contaminated with heavy metal toxins such as mercury, dioxin, and PCBs. Only 4g per day provides all of the benefits of eating fish without the toxicity.”
Dean Ornish, MD
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