Is tilapia bad for cholesterol?

by Feiry

I like to eat tilapia, but my friends told me that it is bad for cholesterol. Is it true? How much can I eat?


ANSWER: Hi Feiry,

I am glad to hear that you consume fish. Now, with regards to your preference (Tilapia), let me pass to you some important facts:

  • it contains about 57 mg of cholesterol per 100 grams. Therefore, you are allowed to eat tilapia fish, while excluding other foods rich of cholesterol.

  • On the other hand: the way you cook tilapia (or any other fish) is also very, very important. If you like it as pan-fried (that is not so healthy), you have to reduce the amount of fish you eat (as frying will load with bad fats).

    However, the best way of cooking a fish (and your tilapia of course) is to bake it. If you do such, you will need less amount of oil while cooking.

  • Please take not that this fish contains a lot of omega–6 fatty acids (about 300mg per 100 grams of fish). These fatty acids are absolutely necessary for the organism, but as the old saying of Paracelsus: “Only the dose makes the poison”.

    In fact, these fatty acids are altering the lipid metabolism and that leads to an elevation in the LDL and HDL. At the same time, this explains why the excessive amounts of omega-6 fatty acids are "accused" as one of the culprits for cardiovascular diseases.

  • Taking all the above-mentioned facts into account, you are supposed to calculate carefully the consumed amount of tilapia depending also on the type of the cooking method you choose.

  • Remember: Empowering with the knowledge on various foods and their components, will ensure the pleasure of eating your favorite foods in the healthiest way and continue living healthy too.

    All the best!

    Dr.Alba

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    Is lobster good or bad cholesterol?

    by Avim

    Lobster and Cholesterol

    Lobster and Cholesterol

    QUESTION: I want to know if lobster is high in cholesterol and what type: good or bad? How much it is allowed to eat?


    ANSWER: Hi Avim,

    It is true that there is an increase interest in seafood as they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are very healthy and contribute in the lowering cholesterol levels that is actually, synthesized by our liver.

    On the other hand, there are also increased doubts and worries regarding the shellfish, for example, lobster cholesterol content.

    It is true that 84 grams (or 3 ounces) of lobster contain 61 mg of cholesterol, which contributes in raising the levels of both HDL (good) and LDL (bad) cholesterol; whilst it is free of trans-fats.

    The real and worrisome problems are the "trans-fats". If you use steamed or grilled lobster, that will not affect your overall cholesterol (as increasing HDL and LDL will neutralize each other). While, if you fry or deep-fry, then, your lobster will have more trans-fats, signaling further problems.

    Moderation is the right advice. If follow the "moderation rule", you won't have problems.

    Go on and enjoy your seafoods in the very healthiest way!

    Dr.Alba

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