Tilapia Gets a Bad Rap

Do the research, and try it for yourself before you go believing the myths behind Tilapia.

I've been exercising and involved in physical fitness for the past 30+ years. Two years ago, a friend of mine took first place in the "2016 NPC Masters Nationals Women's Physique Over 50" contest. In 2017, she placed third, and is competing again in 2018.

I inquired as to what made up her diet; how did you get so cut, so toned, was my question. Janet - 53-years of age at the time - responded, "the last 3 months before the competition, I only ate tilapia and drank lots of water." Well, I'm the type of person that, if Lenda Murray, or Cory Everson, or Lee Haney, tell me they eat this, that, or the other, and it helped them prepare to be at their physical peak, then I'm taking their advise. Mind you, Janet is not on par with those bodybuilding greats, but now at 55-years-young, she can definitely hold her own.

Also, I've eaten tilapia, consistently, since I took Janet's advise. Within a week or two, I noticed a difference. Primarily, my bowel movements were so much better. It's been 2 years, and guess what, it hasn't killed me or adversely affected my health. Most people who say, "don't eat it, it's not healthy," have never tried it on a regular basis and is only going by what someone told them, or by an article written by someone who never tried it.

Tilapia gets the bad rap because it is one of the least expensive fish on the market, so the arrogant folks, consider it, "poor people's fish." This is where the myth started and people just ran with it. Try it for yourself before you pass judgement.

Here are 10 Healthy Benefits of Tilapia, from health.facty.com:

1. Low in calories and fats: Tilapia is naturally high in proteins and replenishes the body’s necessary nutrients, which allows it to function properly.
2. Heart Healthy: The selenium, potassium, and omega-3 fatty acids found in tilapia are heart healthy. They work to maintain your blood pressure, HDL cholesterol as well as to warding off potential artery clogging heart disease.
3. Pumping Muscles: The lean proteins fuel the muscle without introducing excessive fats, while the potassium helps to keep the cramping away.
4. Reduces Inflammation: Tilapia can be a natural beneficial source to aid in the relief of the swelling. The unsaturated fats in tilapia reduce the inflammation in the body.
5. Growth and Development: The protein in tilapia is known to be beneficial in the development of organs, membranes, cells, muscles, muscle growth, cellular repair, and proper metabolic activity many other organs.
6. Reduces Risk of Prostate Cancer & Selenium: The element of selenium in tilapia is known for its prostate prevention capabilities. It is by nature a natural antioxidant. Studies have shown its effectiveness in reducing prostate cancer.
7. Healthy Bones: Everything from your teeth to your nails depends on the phosphorous found in tilapia. This vital element is critical to the development of your bones. As you age, your bones will naturally weaken, and the phosphorous found in tilapia can cut the risk of osteoporosis or the degradation of bone mineral density.
8. Healthy Brain and Nervous System: Tilapia contains potassium and omega-3 fatty acids. The potassium and the omega-3 fatty acids in the fish boosts brain power and increases oxygenation and enables nervous reactions and nutrient deposition to the brain. A healthy nervous system will enable better communication of your entire body.
9. Immune System & Thyroid Function: The vitamins and minerals in tilapia are beneficial to the immune system and the thyroid. Selenium increases the activity of white blood cells and fight against toxins within the body.
10. Premature Aging: The selenium found in tilapia is a natural antioxidant that stimulates the vitamin E and C in your body. These vitamins are vital to the health of your hair, nails, and skin. One 4oz serving of tilapia provides 20% of your daily needs to improve their health and appearance by stopping the free radical damage.

Sources of Selenium: Seafoods and organ meats are the richest food sources of selenium. Other sources include muscle meats, cereals and other grains, and dairy products. The major food sources of selenium in the American diet are breads, grains, meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.