Toxic Farming

A printed study by researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine revealed that tilapia is not healthy to consume compared to other fish species. Tilapia is a fish that is typically farmed in 135 countries. It is ideal for farming because it grows quickly and consumes a cheap vegetarian diet. As per Life Is Beautiful, some farmers even feed them with toxic substances such as pig and chicken poop to cut costs.

Tilapia was also referred to as a worse protein source than bacon by Dr. Axe. Farm-bred fish were found to be high in antibiotics and pesticides that, when consumed, makes you susceptible to diseases. These are used to prevent fish from getting diseases and battle sea lice.

Worsens Inflammation

According to Health Line, tilapia also contain little omega-3 and more of omega-6. Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats found in most fish that lower inflammation and blood triglycerides. Tilapia only contains 240 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids per serving compared to salmon which has about 2,500 milligrams. The fish, however, is richer in omega-6 fatty acids that instead of alleviating, it worsens inflammation when consumed in excess.

As per a study published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine, experts claimed that consuming tilapia is discouraged when you are already suffering from inflammatory illnesses like heart disease. Chronic inflammation also drives serious illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease, metabolic syndrome, diabetes and arthritis.

Contains Cancerous Substances

According to the Environmental Working Group, tilapia is also high in dioxin which is a toxic chemical that causes cancer and other health complications. Once it enters your body, it takes about seven to 11 years before it is expelled out of the system. This puts you at a higher risk of getting cancer.

High Mercury Levels

A study published in the Environmental Pollution journal also revealed that mercury concentrations in commercially fished tilapia exceed the recommended threshold for consumption among pregnant women.

Experts discouraged the consumption of farm-raised tilapia. Species like the Blue Tilapia are not usually farmed since they grow slower than the Nile Tilapia. The former is a healthier option. You can also prevent toxic consumption if you only eat those that are caught in freshwater and saltwater instead of the farmed ones.