How does pescetarianism affect the state of the body?

A pescetarian diet is a mostly plant-based diet that consists of whole grains, nuts, and legumes, with seafood being the main source of protein. This diet has both pros and cons.

Pros of pescetarianism

Some pescetarians believe that a meat-based diet is harmful to the environment because terrestrial animals raised for human consumption use many natural resources and increase pollution. But many choose a fish-based diet for their health.

A diet that focuses on plant foods, fish and seafood can provide health benefits because fish is a good source of protein. But unlike red meat, it is low in saturated fat and often high in healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Research shows that eliminating red meat reduces the likelihood of heart disease. At the same time, oily fish - salmon, mackerel, herring, lake trout, sardines and tuna - are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 acids reduce triglyceride levels in the blood - reduce the risk of heart rhythm disturbances and high blood pressure.

The effect of a pescetarian diet on reducing the risk of colorectal cancer has also been investigated, but no definite causal relationship has been found. Study participants who follow vegetarian diets generally lead healthy lifestyles, and this may influence the results of studies without pescetarianism.

Health Risks

Since this diet is mostly vegetarian, there is a risk of overeating carbohydrates, especially if the diet contains a lot of processed grains. Therefore, before becoming a pescetarian, it is best to consult a dietitian who can develop a balanced meal plan.

Fish meat may contain toxins such as mercury. For this reason, the US Food and Drug Administration recommends that children and women of childbearing age, pregnant and lactating women avoid swordfish, shark and king mackerel. Therefore, in Russia, it is better not to buy imported fish, but on vacation to check which fish you can eat and which you should not risk.

You also need to limit the use of longfin and yellowfin tuna to one palm-sized portion or less in week. Regular tuna has less mercury, so you can eat two servings a week, or roughly 200 grams as recommended by the American Heart Association.

For more information on pescetarianism, see our full resource.

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I have not eaten meat for three years, but in the meantime I continue to sometimes eat fish and some seafood. I can say that there are no negative consequences. But the positive mass, in particular the skin became better, and also the taste sensations became somehow ... sharper. Recently, I began to notice that the sight and smell of meat is unpleasant to me.