Is tilapia as healthy as you thought?

You're supposed to eat a lot of fresh fish because of all those heart-healthy fatty acids. But new research raises questions about a trendy fish called tilapia.

The white, flaky fish is a big seller in restaurants and markets, but researchers at Wake Forest University claim not all fish are created equal, especially when tilapia is farmed.

"Omega 3s will lower your triglycerides. They're anti-inflammatory. They may lower your blood pressure," said Dr. Christopher Gardner, nutritional scientist with the Stanford School of Medicine.

But with wild fish populations collapsing around the world, we're actually eating a lot more farmed fish. Nearly half the fish consumed around the world is produced on fish farms where the fish are raised on a different diet, often corn. That diet may make a difference.

Researchers analyzed the fatty acids found in four of the most commonly farmed fish: Atlantic salmon, trout, tilapia and catfish. While the farmed salmon and trout contained high levels of beneficial omega 3s. The tilapia and catfish had much lower levels.

Not only that, the tilapia and catfish contained higher levels of another kind of fatty acid called omega 6, a potentially detrimental combination.

The researchers say tilapia is not a good choice for those fighting heart disease. They even say hamburger and bacon would be a better choice.

Gardner disagrees, saying, "What if you don't have access to fresh fish? What if you don't have a lot of money and your choices are a cheap subsidized hamburger versus tilapia? Tilapia is a better choice."

We need both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in our diet. What we don't know is what the right ratio is to get the most benefit. So, mix it up and eat a variety of fish.

E-mail: drkim@ksl.com