Sensational Tilapia Story Begins to Unravel

The Winston Salem Journal and its insistence that researchers have discovered the “possible dangers of tilapia” has received quite a lot of media attention. It’s reporting goes so far as to suggest that people should be warned against eating it because it might be “risky” and going as far as to quote a researcher who suggests eating bacon or ground beef might have more healthful properties. This illogical accusation is based on the fact that tilapia, a mild and inexpensive fish, is richer in omega-6 fatty acids than it is in omega-3s. Omega-6s are a type of fat that is generally healthy, but too much may not be ideal. Doctors and dietitians don’t yet agree on the perfect amount of omega-6s in the diet. But what an impressive panel of 16 doctors does agree on is since fish like tilapia are, “relatively low in total and saturated fats and high in protein, they clearly can be part of a healthy diet.” (source: National Fisheries Institute)