Fish, long-touted as the ultimate heart disease remedy, can kill you because so much of it is heavily laced with mercury. Sadly as consumption risk goes up so do fish prices.
Yes, that ever popular Tuna, containing great proteins we require, should be limited eating. And yes, Tuna is great for weight control as it delivers proteins.
That’s not to say anyone should give up protein. Every tissue, cell, and organ in our body is made up of proteins that are continually breaking down and being replaced. Amino acids make up the protein we require for later use to repair tissue and keep up body maintenance.
There are twenty different amino acids that join together to make the different proteins. They are manufactured differently. Some are made in the body, while others aren’t. Amino acids that can not be made by the body are termed, essential amino acids, therefore it is essential that our diet provide them.
Protein sources in our diet are evaluated according to how many essential amino acids they provide. Those known as complete proteins, provide all of the essential amino acids. Animal-based foods, fish, poultry, eggs, cheese, milk and meat are sources of complete protein. Incomplete proteins are those low in one or more of essential amino acid. Complementary proteins are two or more incomplete protein sources which together provide adequate amounts of all essential amino acids. Good examples of these include brown rice, and tofu.
Most people overemphasize protein requirements. Still, some protein is needed to support muscles. It has been reported that average Americans consume more then twice as much protein they require.
To determine your needs consider your total daily food consumption. When you shop, note contents of what you buy. Make certain you bring home a variety of nutrients that include carbohydrates, and healthy oils, as well as proteins your body needs to stay healthy.
A general recommendation is that depending on your active lifestyle, 20-45% of your daily calories are protein. As with too much of anything, more then sufficient protein isn’t necessary good for us and over consumption is hard on the kidneys.
It has been reported that most Americans eat too many carbs without getting the 40 plus grams per day required by adults. Very active people can handily get along with up to 50 grams.
One way to assure meeting your needs is to watch for protein-rich non-fatty meats like lean beef, the white-meat of poultry, and occasionally fish. Go for non or low-fat daily products. Nuts are a good sources of protein, as are grains, some cereals, tofu, legumes and some vegetables.
For those with specific health problems it is best to alter your dietary intake to meet your unique needs. Get well founded dietary information and follow the directions of a qualified Nutritionist, Nurse Practitioner or Physician. This should help avoid exposure to heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury.
Mercury is especially dangerous when consuming fish more then twice a week. CDC recommends that no more then three meals per week contain fish since most ocean catches now are heavily laced with mercury.
When your safety becomes questionable, less is more.
