Hello, my understanding is that although fish oil supplements are not recommended, eating 2 portions of fish a week (one is which oily) is recommended (at least, this is the advice from the NHS in the UK). I am ‘vegan’ and currently consume mussels each week to meet this guideline, but I don’t think this counts as ‘oily’ (just to explain: I’m fine eating mussels and other molluscs because I don’t think they are sentient, unlike oily fish like salmon - I’m vegan only for animal-related ethical reasons). However, I’m wondering if I am missing out on something here health-wise from not eating oily fish in particular? While I wouldn’t eat oily fish simply for the taste, I would be OK eating it if avoiding it was deleterious to my health. Or could I get by just eating 2 portions of mussels per week instead?
Thanks! And sorry if this question seems pedantic!
I do not think you’re missing out on any health or performance benefits from not eating oily fish. I think the benefits of eating fish has been conflated with the associated dietary pattern, healthy behaviors, and SES more than any unique benefits of fish.