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Fish/Seafood in diet - positive or negative effect on health?
Started
by makerunurself
on December 29, 2011
I've made the change from an omnivorous to a vegan lifestyle primarily for health concern reasons. However, after doing more research I've definitely been exposed to some ethical issues which only seem to fuel my drive to maintain this lifestyle. I do have an area that I'm not quite certain on and would like a bit more information about. Since becoming vegan (these past 3 months), I have kept fish/seafood in my diet off and on and I'm not sure if I want to continue to do so or not. First and foremost, I am really interested in the health consequences of eating fish/seafood, whether they be positive or negative. Second, I have a little bit more insight on how eating these products impact the environment, but if anyone has anything to explain I would love to increase my knowledge base on this subject.
I would really appreciate any type of applicable sources about either of these points if someone would like to help educate me a little further on both/either of them.
Thank you in advance for your help and enlightenment! :)
The book "Eating Animals" by Jonathan Saffran Foyer (I think that is how you spell his name) addresses fish and seafood. Basically, most fish is being over-fished to the point where they are unable to sustain their species. Seafood and fish also contain a lot of mercury and act as sponges for toxin that may be (and are most likely) put into waterways. Those toxins magnify and concentrate in the fish so you end up eating more toxins from the fish. That being said, I eat fish on occasion (like once every 3 months), but do my best to make sure that it is from a responsible fishery.
There is a documentary called "Salmon: jumping the gantlet" that you might find interesting. I think you can find it on the NOVA website. It deals with the dwindling amount of salmon out there. It is actually shocking when you look at how much salmon used to exist but have died off because of man made obstacles like dams.
Congrats on becoming vegan(ish) and I hope that you figure out what works best for you!
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