By now most Americans have a basic understanding that fish is a healthy addition to the diet because of the essential omega-3 fatty acids they supply. However, according to Dr. Mark Hyman, a family physician and NY Times best-selling author, 99% of Americans are deficient in omega-3′s. When our bodies aren’t getting enough omega-3′s, our cells have trouble communicating. Miscommunication makes your body unable to deliver vital information for key processes; regulation of the immune system, metabolism, and gene function.
Why aren’t we getting enough? Maybe you don’t know how to cook fish, perhaps you don’t like the smell, or maybe with concerns regarding contamination, antibiotics, hormones, and sustainability it can be hard to know which fish to choose. I get confused myself and I specialize in nutrition!
Farm raised fish.
I recently heard about a company called Clean Fish. Founded in 2004, CleanFish is dedicated to sourcing and distributing the world’s best seasonal fish, farmed AND wild. Their website states:
“At CleanFish, we want you to know where your fish has been. This clarity gives power to the producer and power to the chef and consumer.”
“CleanFish works closely with its producers. Next generation practices are already in the works, from raising fish in polycultures, to wetlands filtration systems, to experimental deepwater aquapods for raising shrimp without additional feed.”
Example: Loch Duart Scottish Salmon:
- “No hormones, antibiotics, growth promoters, grow-lights or GMOs “
- “Salmon have plenty of room to grow: 98.5% water to 1.5% fish, roughly 30%-50% lower than industrial farms “
- “First salmon to be “Freedom Food” certified by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) “
- “Pioneers of integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA), raising companion species for an enhanced natural ecology “
By supporting companies like CleanFish, we are helping to change the health of our ourselves and our planet. Check out www.cleanfish.com to find out which brands and companies to choose from.
Other ways to ensure you are eating the best quality fish:
- Use the Natural Resources Defense Council’s wallet card when searching for fish and avoid those that are endangered or toxic.
- Opt for sustainably raised farmed salmon like the Loch Duart Scottish Salmon and avoid those raised in feedlots by using your voice! Question your supplier or do some investigating on the internet.
- If you are omega-3 fat deficient, take purified fish oil, at least 1,000-2,000 mg of EPA/DHA a day.
- When it comes to preparing fish, get creative with herbs and spices, fruits, vegetables, and sauces. Check out websites like Cooking Light, Eating Well, or The Food Network to get inspiration!
Question: Have you heard of CleanFish?
I was just talking to my dad about Omega-3 acids tonight…how perfect that you shared this post! Like everyone has said, clean fish is new to me too! I’m eager to find more companies like this. Thank you for sharing this with me. I’m hungry for seafood now! I hope you have a blessed and peaceful day tomorrow. Hugs from Austin!
No I hadn’t heard of Clean Fish. I don’t eat much fish, but I do take my 1-2 fish oil tablets every day!
xoxox
Kathleen
I am actually doing a post on wild vs. farm-raised fish very soon. I have never heard of clean fish though, so this is new to me! Just yesterday on the Today Show Ted Dansen was talking about how many fish are taken from the oceans each year to feed the farm-raised fish. The number was outstanding, and really sad. I try to buy wild caught fish whenever I can.
I haven’t heard of CleanFish either. I try to do wild fish and not overdo tuna. I have to admit I am not always super careful about sustainability/fish and eay a lot of fish. Good information.
I read an article recently on Clean Fish, and now I’m more aware of where the fish sold in stores come from. Thanks as always for your great info Erin.
I haven’t heard of CleanFish but I like it! I eat fish and always wonder where it came from and how it was raised.
Very, very cool! Sustainable seafood is my sister’s boyfriend’s #1 cause. I MUST tell him about this!
I never heard of cleanfish, I will definitely check them out!! I would love to make fish more often!
I have never heard of a Clean Fish. I don’t eat much seafood with the exception of tuna but this is very helpful information.
oh wow, i wonder if we have something like that over here! usually i just head to the fish market, which seems reliable but i guess you never know. thanks Erin!
I love Mark Hyman! I did a dairy post with his video!
Never heard of Clean Fish, thanks for sharing! You should look into Wild Planet too, same concept!
Oh how cool!
I never buy farm raised… I’d rather so without
I’ve never heard of CleanFish, but I think it’s a great initiative! Great topic too – I love fish (one thing I just could never give up if I decided to become a vegetarian) and like to know where it’s been before it gets to my plate.
Never heard of CleanFish, but what a great concept!!!!!!!
Loved this post, and thought that it had lots of great info on fish! =D