We need to eat fish for their EPA and DHA omega-3s and optimal health

People are often concerned with the mercury in fish. Yet, trace elements are necessary for health. Microscopic amounts of mercury may even have health benefits. "Since trace elements provide nutritional value, they are sometimes referred to as micronutrients. It may come as a surprise to some people, however, that certain heavy metals are included as a sub-class of this family. This includes materials such as mercury, lead, cadmium, and even arsenic, which can be found in vitamin supplements manufactured for human consumption. While these are, in fact, necessary for proper nutrition in nearly microscopic amounts, too much can be toxic." Wisegeek.org "These include essential elements, such as iodine and zinc, probably essential elements, such as manganese and silicon, and potentially toxic elements, such as fluoride, lead, cadmium and mercury, which may also have some essential functions at low levels. " who.int Also, not all fish have equal amounts of mercury. "While eating more fatty fish is a good idea, some are likely to have higher levels of mercury, PCBs, or other toxins. These include mackerel, wild swordfish, tilefish, and shark. Farm-raised fish of any type may also have higher levels of contaminants. Children and pregnant women should avoid these fish entirely. Everyone else should eat no more than 7 ounces of these fish a week. Fish like wild trout and wild salmon are safer." wedMd "salmon, tilapia, rainbow trout" are listed as the safest fish at babble.com. Wild trout and wild salmon are safer than farm raised fish and some of the larger fish. As for supplements, many know that supplements may have side effects. Here is some side effects of DHA and EPA omega-3s. "The most common side effects from fish oil are indigestion and gas. Getting a supplement with a coating might help. Omega-3 supplements (DHA/EPA) can make bleeding more likely. If you have a bleeding condition -- or take medicines that could increase bleeding, like Coumadin, Plavix, Effient, Brilinta, and some NSAIDs -- talk to a doctor before using any omega-3 supplements." Wedmd Health benefits of eating fish and supplements "Impact on cardiovascular disease: According to both primary and secondary prevention studies, consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, fish, and fish oil reduces all-cause mortality and various CVD outcomes such as sudden death, cardiac death, and myocardial infarction. The evidence is strongest for fish and fish oil supplements." nih.gov My opponent might take the route of the body can convert ALA to EPA and DHA. Yet, the evidence is strongest for fish and supplements as opposed to mass amounts of ALA. Large amounts of ALA are bad for the eyes. "The body can convert ALA into EPA and DHA. ALA is efficiently converted to EPA, but it may require large amounts of ALA to produce optimal amounts of DHA. A small amount of recent evidence has raised a concern that large amounts of ALA could be harmful to the eyes over the long term." veganhealth.org "Fish Fish is a very common staple in diets of the long-living. Whether they live in the mountains or by the sea, trade for fermented fish paste or eat brook trout, these cultures value fish in their diets. What is important to remember here is that the fish these cultures eat is, for the most part, wild-caught, not farmed." http://draxe.com... I conclude that eating wild fish such as salmon and trout are key to ideal health. Exactly how much is a question for another debate. I have effectively headed off all avenues my opponent can make. I will be most impressed if my opponent can beat me. Good luck Con. http://www.wisegeek.org... http://www.who.int... http://www.webmd.com... http://www.babble.com... https://ods.od.nih.gov... http://www.veganhealth.org... http://draxe.com...