When it comes to planning your meals and following a specific diet, it’s essential to make informed choices and be wary of the food advice you find online. The paleo diet, for example, is quite popular and has countless nutritionists and health writers contributing their thoughts and variations. However, not all advice should be taken as the ultimate truth, especially those related to the necessity and frequency of consuming certain paleo-approved foods.
Be skeptical about what you read
A recent article from Men’s Fitness suggests a list of nine foods to include if you’re going paleo. While some items may be acceptable, it’s crucial to dig deeper and do your research before embracing new items into your daily diet.
The case against tuna
High on the list of Men’s Fitness recommendations is tuna, which, while a good source of omega-3 fats, should not be consumed frequently. Tuna is a large fish that consumes a considerable amount of smaller fish, which has the unfortunate side-effect of accumulating considerable levels of pollutants such as mercury that can harm your body.
Research from the University of Michigan has shown that mercury exposure in fish, even in typically considered safe amounts, is linked to an increased risk of autoimmune diseases. These diseases occur when your immune system becomes overly inflamed and starts to attack your own tissues and organs. Affecting about 50 million Americans, autoimmune diseases mostly impact women and are among the top ten leading causes of death for them.
Choose your fish wisely
Aside from the potential danger of mercury, it’s essential to balance the health benefits of eating fish, such as promoting heart health and reducing inflammation. When selecting fish, opt for wild-caught salmon, sardines, shrimp, and anchovies, which have lower mercury levels. Even if you prefer tuna, it’s best to consume canned tuna over tuna steaks, as they contain considerably less mercury.
Trust your gut
Taking care of your body means staying informed and listening to your body’s needs. Just because a piece of information is on the internet doesn’t necessarily mean it is the best advice. It’s essential to do your research, evaluate other expert opinions, and trust your instincts when it comes to selecting foods. Remember that each individual’s needs may differ, and always double-check your fish choices with a reliable source such as the Environmental Working Group’s seafood calculator.
No diet plan is universally applicable, and the same rules do not apply to everyone. So, take a step back and think about the advice you find before incorporating it into your diet plan. Your body and health will thank you for it.
