Something fishy about Tilapia?

I was reading up on Tilapia and I wanted to tell you about it. Tilapia have very low levels of mercury as they are fast-growing and short-lived with a primarily herbivorous diet, and thus do not accumulate mercury found in prey. Tilapia is a low saturated fat, low calorie, low carbohydrate and low sodium protein source. It is a source of phosphorus, niacin, selenium, vitamin B12 and potassium.

However, farm raised tilapia (the least expensive and most popular) has a high fat content (though low in saturated fats). According to recent research, farm raised tilapia may be worse for the heart than eating bacon or a hamburger. The research suggests the nutritional value of farm raised tilapia may be compromised by the amount of corn included in the feed. The corn contains omega-6s that contribute to the build-up of these materials in the fish. "Ratios of omega-6 to omega-3 in tilapia averaged about 11:1 compared to much less than 1:1 in both salmon and trout."

Wide spread publicity encouraging people to eat more fish has seen tilapia being purchased by those with lower incomes who are trying to eat a well balanced diet. The lower amounts of omega-3 and the higher ratios of omega-6 compounds in US farmed tilapia raise questions of the health benefits of consuming this fish. What that all means is that Tilapia has too much Omega-6 ad that can be bad for your health. Salmon is more expensive but much better for you.

Here’s a tasty recipe for Tilapia Chowder. Of course, you can substitute any other whitefish.


1 lb tilapia fillets
2.5 oz. bacon, diced
1 large onion, diced
9 oz potatoes, cubed
1tsp crushed garlic
1 tsp curry powder
9 oz. fresh cream
2 oz flour
2 oz butter
1 qt. fish stock (or water)
Salt and pepper to taste

Cut the tilapia fillets in 1 oz squares
Sauté the onions, garlic and bacon in a large pan for 2-3 minutes.
Add the stock and cook 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Add tilapia and potatoes. Cook 5 minutes.
Melt the butter and slowly mix it with the curry powder and flour.
Add the mixture slowly into the pan. Cook 2 more minutes.
Add the fresh cream and serve.
Makes 4 servings.

For a Thai twist on this recipe, instead of fresh cream, use coconut milk and go very easy on the curry powder. Like I said, you can substitute any other fish for Tilapia and it should taste just as good.

Gone fishin…

Bob


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