But Isn’t Fish a Brain Food?

How many times have people asked vegetarians that question? My favorite variation came from the restaurant owner who told me brusquely, “A lot of vegetarians eat fish!” I replied, “A lot eat steaks, too, but we don’t count them.”

Is fish really good for you? What are you missing out on besides some cholesterol  and, often, a good dose of mercury? Well, according to the Australian government’s OzFood Network, poorly cooked or processed eggs, fish, and milkshakes  were the worst offenders in 346 cases of food poisoning during the last three months of 2010, in which 5,329 people reported being poisoned, 20 died, and 153 were hospitalized.

Food poisoning typically takes the form of diarrhea, vomiting, numbness, “skin tingling,” and the chills. Would you like fries with that?

The good news is that plant-based foods can give you all the nutrients you need, including omega-3 fatty acids, without the health risks that you might incur from eating rotting flesh.

So, the next time people ask you whether eating fish is good for you, suggest that they do something that is much better for their health: Ask them to pledge to go vegan for 30 days. You’ll be doing them, the planet, and animals a big favor.

Posted by Desmond Bellamy