Talking about fish, and especially oily fish, consumption seems to be a bit of a minefield.
So let me decode it for you:
Fish-derived omega-3 have a protective effect against breast cancer.
Not all oily fish are recommended for breast cancer patients and breast cancer prevention, and there are simple rules we should follow when choosing our fish:
- always choose a wild fish as their farmed counterparts may be exposed to various hormones
- salmon is the best oily fish during breast cancer chemo but make sure it’s a wild one
Nearly all fish and shellfish contain traces of mercury but some of them in higher concentration, especially those that are long-lived and high on the food chain such as tuna, king mackerel, shark, swordfish and marlin.
And how much oily fish should we eat?
It is recommended to eat at least 2 portions of oily fish per week.
What is the best cooking method?
Steaming, poaching, boiling, stewing are the most suitable cooking methods.
Avoid bbq-ed, deep fried and smoked fish as these contain high levels of carcinogenic chemical compounds.
Is canned fish safe to eat?
Remember that canned food, such as canned sardines, is not safe as a huge number of canned food contain BPA (Bisphenol A) that exerts oestrogen effects.
And lastly, just as it is with most supplements, fish oil supplements should be avoided.
