Photo credit: Regal Springs
Knowing what is healthy and what isn’t can get confusing, especially when the internet always seems to be telling us something different. This is definitely the case with Tilapia, one of America’s most widely consumed fish. To help cut through the clutter of misinformation, we’ve rounded up some articles from credible publications like TIME Magazine and Men’s Journal that tell the truth about Tilapia—and the truth is that Tilapia can be very healthy for you if purchased from the right sources!
1. The Truth about Tilapia (Men’s Journal)
This article tackles the big myths surrounding Tilapia head on, including the claim that it is “worse than bacon.” It also addresses the differences between Tilapia farming in China and in other regions of the world. It concludes that consumers should buy Tilapia that has been approved by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council to ensure the best quality. Regal Springs is a distributor certified by ASC, making it a perfect source. This is a definite must-read if you want to get the low-down on all things Tilapia.
2. Should I Eat Tilapia? (TIME Magazine)
This is part of a series by TIME Magazine called “Should I Eat This?” In this article, find out how many experts endorse eating Tilapia, despite some conflicting claims of how healthy omega-6 fatty acids are for you. Experts from the very reputable TIME Magazine all agreed the eating Tilapia is indeed very healthy.
3. Tilapia Urban Legends (Snopes)
Popular urban legend analyzer Snopes has written its own complex take on Tilapia and addressed what is true and what is false about the fish. Snopes backs claims by other sources that the “unfavorable” Tilapia is in fact farmed in China.
With so many different claims, opinions and “facts” about the food we eat, it can be tough to know what to include in your diet and what to phase out. Always do your research and look for a positive endorsement from credible organizations when making choices about foods that are heavily debated about.
When it comes to Tilapia, we recommend fresh Tilapia from Mexico and Honduras (about 70% of America’s fresh Tilapia comes from here) and frozen Tilapia from Indonesia and Mexico. These source regions raise their fish in pristine, deep-water lakes without the use of antibiotics, hormones and preservatives. Grocers such as Costco, Kroger and Walmart all carry responsibly farmed Tilapia from producers such as Regal Springs.