Michelle's Question:
Hi Preethi!!!
Dear Michelle,
How are you and your family?? I know that by His grace you are well. Preethi, I have had a nutrition question, that I cannot find an answer to, and wonder if you can help. I was sitting here praying asking God about this, and I thought of you! So here goes:
I have always heard that fish is good to include in the diet, because of (omega 3-fatty acids whatever those are;)). I "knew" on the other hand, that shrimp was not so good, because of it being a food that is high in cholesterol. Yet, just a few days ago, I looked carefully at the label on some frozen tilapia fillet fish, that I was preparing and was disappointed to see that it contained about 40 mg/4oz serving.
1) if shrimp has cholesterol and fish also does, then why is fish "good" and shrimp "bad"?
2)I think I read that fish (esp fatty fish) in a diet can help lower blood cholesterol, but how can this be so if it (fish) contains cholesterol?
3) So if I am trying to lower cholesterol in our diet should eliminate fish, because of it's cholesterol content? or is some fish better than others?
Thanks to God for any knowledge that He may haven given you that you might share with us.
In Christ with you,
Michelle (please send my very warm greetings to your mother).
My Answer to Michelle:
Thank you so much for your email! It is a blessing to hear from you after we have not met in so long. Here is what I would say about the cholesterol and fish/shrimp issue:
1. Cholesterol is a necessary nutrient and is the component of the central nervous system and bile acids.
2. All natural foods consumed in moderation are well-tolerated; the problem with the high-cholesterol state in people is mainly due to an excess consumption of calories, sugar, refined carbohydrates, or exorbitant amounts of meat.
3. Yes, some fish is better than others. Fish highest in omega 3 fatty acids are the best with regard to prevention of heart disease and improvement of blood lipid parameters. These fish include salmon, mackerel, sardines, trout, and albacore tuna. In general nutritionists ask clients to limit consumption of fish to 3 times per week to avoid potential mercury poisoning issues.
4. The problem with cholesterol/saturated fat intake with regard to heart disease is that fatty acids become oxidized. To prevent this process, eat foods containing antioxidants. These foods would be the colorful fruits and vegetables like blueberries, tomatoes, carrots, cherries, etc.
5. High cholesterol can be better treated through diet by eliminating white bread, white sugar, refined foods, eating out, excess calories etc. Eliminating fish is likely not going to help. In fact including the types of fish mentioned above would probably help greatly.
May God bless you as you seek His will to show His physical love to your family!
Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread. I Cor 10:17
Love in Christ,
Preethi
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