Daily Mail

Two-thirds of us risk health by not eating enough fish

- By Ben Spencer Medical Correspond­ent

TWO thirds of people in Britain are putting their health at risk by not eating enough fish, cancer experts have warned.

The NHS advises that everyone should eat fish at least twice a week – including one portion of oily fish such as salmon or tuna.

But 64 per cent of people do not meet this target, a poll found.

Fish and shellfish are good sources of vitamins and minerals and are far lower in fat than any form of meat.

Oily fish is also particular­ly high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have huge benefits to the heart and brain, and in vitamin D, which strengthen­s the bones.

Regularly eating fish also means people tend to eat less red meat, reducing the risk of cancer and heart disease.

The World Cancer Research Fund, which commission­ed the YouGov poll of 2,000 adults, found that fish-eating seems to be a disappeari­ng habit. Of those surveyed, over-55s ate the most fish, with 45 per cent consuming at least two portions a week.

And young families with children aged between five and 11 ate the least, with only 25 per cent consuming fish twice a week.

The charity is today launching its week-long Hooked on Fish campaign. Sarah Toule, its head of health informatio­n, said: ‘ Fish offers many health benefits.

‘It’s high in protein and other nutrients, such as vitamin D and selenium, and it’s a great alterna- tive to red meat. It is also one of the best sources of healthy omega3 fats, which are essential for a healthy heart.

‘People should aim to eat fish at least twice a week including one serving of oily fish, such as salmon or herring. We have some amazing seafood from our shores – and what better time to start eating more fish than during the summer?’

The NHS recommends that pregnant women should also eat no more than two portions a week of oily fish, because it also contains traces of mercury which can cause problems if they build up.

Others are advised to have no more than four portions of oily fish a week.

Research has found that adults who regularly eat fish are less susceptibl­e to heart attacks, strokes and deaths from heart disease.

Despite the benefits, Government figures show that our overall consumptio­n of seafood has declined in the past ten years.

It peaked in 2006 at an average of 199 grams per person a week, equivalent to a large fillet of cod. But by 2015 it was 177g per person per week.

Experts have attributed this to a change in our shopping habits and the shrinking economy.

Many adults now avoid doing a weekly shop in a large grocery store with its own fish counter. Instead they tend to stock up a few times a week in smaller stores with less of a range.

‘Aim to have it at least twice a week’

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom