Shopping for Fish: Your Buyer's Guide

Which fish are high in omega-3s? Which are low in mercury? Our lists help you make the best picks at the fish market.

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Fish on Grill
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If you're concerned about food safety, equip yourself with the facts before you buy fish.
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Not everything with fins and a tail will give you the same benefits -- or, for that matter, expose you to the same amount of mercury or other contaminants. Here, two lists that will help you make your picks.


HIGH IN OMEGA-3s

These fish are some of the best at protecting your heart.
Bass (striped) Herring Mackerel (Atlantic)
Oysters (Pacific) Sablefish Salmon
Trout (freshwater) Tuna (canned, white)



LOW IN MERCURY

These tend to have particularly low levels of the metal.
Anchovies Hake Tilapia
Catfish Herring Trout (freshwater)
Clam Mackerel (Atlantic) Whitefish
Crab Salmon
Haddock (Atlantic) Sardines



4 TO THROW BACK

Young children and women in their childbearing years should avoid these high mercury fish entirely. It’s not a bad idea for everyone else to limit their consumption too.
King mackerel Swordfish
Shark Tilefish



See also:
Food Safety: Healthy Fish Made Easy
5 Ways to Love Seafood
A Fish Shopper's Buying Guide
Omega-3s Without Fish
Dinner Ideas: 6 Fish Recipes to Try

From Reader's Digest - September 2009
 
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