| Article | June 16, 2010
Toronto Public Health promotes healthy fish choices in 22 languages
Thinking of fish for dinner tonight? Fish is an important part of healthy eating. It is good for your heart and is an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fats that aid the development of the brain, eyes and nerves of the fetus and young children. However, fish may contain mercury, and you need to choose your catch of the day carefully.
To help you select the fish that is best for you and your family, Toronto Public Health (TPH) has just translated its popular healthy fish guide into 22 languages. “A Guide to Eating Fish for Women, Children and Families” includes fish consumption recommendations specific to pregnant and breastfeeding women, women who could become pregnant, and children.
Mercury in fish can lead to problems with learning, walking and talking for children who were exposed to high levels in-utero and as infants. Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or could become pregnant, and young children ages one to four, should avoid fish that are high in mercury.
TPH’s guide lists 80 different species of fish and provides clear advice on fish consumption from nutritional, mercury and environmental perspectives and lists which fish are highest in omega-3 fats - good for your heart - and lowest in mercury. The guide also includes information about fish that are caught or farmed in a way that is harmful to the environment.
The Guide to Eating Fish for Women, Children and Families, including an extended list of fish species, is available on the TPH website at http://www.toronto.ca/health/fishandmercury. You can have a guide mailed to your home by calling 416-338-7600.
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