What Is Pescatarian Diet
What is the Pescatarian Diet , and is it healthy ? In the past , actress and singer Janelle Monae claimed the diet caused mercury poisoning . Here’s what you should know .
The Pescatarian Diet mostly follows a vegetarian or vegan Diet that also includes fish and seafood . For the Pescatarians I work with , the only animal protein they eat is fish , maybe sushi or the occasional piece of wild salmon . Others also eat eggs , dairy , or both , but pescatarians don’t eat meat or poultry .
The health of the Pescatarian Diet depends on two factors : the amount and type of seafood eaten , and the quality and balance of other foods in the Diet .
In my private practice , I see more and more people on the Pescatarian Diet , and many are surprised when I tell them they’re eating too much seafood . Yes , wild salmon and sushi-grade tuna are excellent sources of protein , and they’re packed with omega-3 fatty acids , contributes a good fat to anti-inflammatory , brain , eye , skin , heart , and muscle health .
But mercury levels in seafood can increase rapidly , especially if you eat seafood every day .
You’ve probably heard that pregnant women should be careful not to consume too much mercury . That’s because the heavy metal can cross the placenta and in excess can damage a baby’s developing brain and nervous system .
In adults , the risk of excessive mercury is still being studied . Some studies have also linked excessive mercury exposure to high blood pressure , heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease .
As for whether the Pescatarian Diet is healthy or not , it depends on what else you eat . Whether you eat seafood or not , a healthy diet includes plenty of vegetables , fresh fruits , legumes , whole grains , nuts , seeds , herbs and spices . A naturally nutrient-rich plants that provides a balanced supply of macronutrients (protein , carbohydrates and fats ) and a wide range of micronutrients and antioxidants .
If you choose to include eggs or dairy products , choose high-quality sources , pasture-raised organic eggs and grass-fed organic dairy products . Keep processed foods and added sugars to a minimum , eat at regular times , drink plenty of water and try to eat as much of each food group as possible to increase your overall nutritional intake .Check out these healthier eating diet
