New scientific report proves fish is not a health food
The reputation of fish oils has undergone a meteoric rise from the dreaded cod liver oil of years gone by to the highly esteemed omega-3 fish oil capsules of the new millennia. But according to The Fish Report, by the VVF the only thing “clever’ about fish oils is the huge marketing campaign that has got thousands of people running to the health food shops. Some studies suggest that fish oils can lower the risk of heart disease, others are inconclusive and some show fish oils increase the risk of a heart attack! The damaging effect of fish is blamed on the toxins they contain. Author of the report, VVF senior health campaigner Dr Justine Butler, says: “The fish industry is aiming to increase its revenue by feeding the public a “red herring’ that we need fish in our diets to boost and protect our health. The scientific research tells a different story… “We are aiming to raise awareness and to reassure people that all the omega-3s they need can be sourced from a plant based diet, which does not contain harmful toxins found in fish including PCBs, dioxins and mercury. [list]On average, people in the UK eat only a third of a portion of oily fish a week. In any week, seven out of ten don’t eat any oily fish at all [/list][list]Numerous studies show that plant-based omega-3s can protect health [/list][list]Oily fish and fish oil supplements have been shown to increase the risk of heart attack [/list][list]Getting the balance of omega-3 to omega-6 fats may be more important than how much omega-3 you eat [/list][list]If oily fish were essential for good brain function, vegetarians would fail at school and university – they do not [/list][list]The PCB’s, dioxins and mercury in fish ensure that they carry a government health warning [/list][list]As well as a frequently underestimated source of food poisoning, fish also contain substances that, when overcooked, can lead to cancer [/list][list]Farmed fish contain even less of the ‘good’ fats than their wild counterparts [/list][list]There are many alternatives to fish as the [url=http://www.vegetarian.org.uk/guides/Fish/#fishfreerecipes]recipe section of our guide[/url] shows… [/list] The Fish Report examines the science behind the health claims and reveals the research the fish industry would rather ignore. It describes why omega-3 fatty acids are important and explains why plant-based oils are better for human health and the environment. It also describes what toxic substances are found in fish and reveals how harmful they can be. It explains why public health policies promoting oily fish are misplaced and undermine more effective and sustainable strategies. It will leave you in no doubt – fish is not a health food. To read The Fish Report, please visit www.vvf.org.uk/campaigns/fish or call 0117 970 5190 for more information. ENDS For more information about this media release please call press officer Helen Rossiter on 0117 970 5190, or email press@viva.org.uk, or call 0117 970 5190 to speak to Dr Justine Butler or email justine@vegetarian.org.uk. [list]
About the author
Dr. Justine Butler
Justine joined Viva! in 2005 after graduating from Bristol University with a PhD in molecular biology. After working as a campaigner, then researcher and writer, she is now Viva!’s head of research and her work focuses on animals, the environment and health. Justine’s scientific training helps her research and write both in-depth scientific reports, such as White Lies and the Meat Report, as well as easy-to-read factsheets and myth-busting articles for consumer magazines and updates on the latest research. Justine also recently wrote the Vegan for the Planet guide for Viva!’s Vegan Now campaign.
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