Doctor says eating fish can make you ‘live longer’ but issues warning

A critical care doctor is urging people to include eat fish twice a week in order to live longer. However if you have too much, it could be « toxic », she warns. In her TikTok video, she also addresses women, urging them to consider their diet. Dr Neena Chandrasekaran, who is also a specialist in pulmonary medicine, took to the social media site under the username @neenziemd, and said that these are « things they don’t tell you » when it comes to decreasing your mortality.

She explained: « Eating fish, particularly oily fish about two times a week may be associated with an all reduced risk of mortality including cardiovascular disease and all causes of mortality. » Looking into which fish we should be consuming, she says that « salmon, trout and anchovies are high in omega-3 and this can help decrease plaque formation atherosclerosis, overall lowering the risk of coronary heart disease. »

In her message to women, who may be pregnant, she says: « Eating fish in pregnancy can also help support a newborn baby due to omega-3 DHA which can support the newborn baby brain and eyes – hence some studies do also show this can lead to higher brain activities in newborns. »

She also cited a study in which she revealed that men who eat « more than 35g of fish had a 42% lower risk of having a heart attack. » She added that « the American Heart Association, recommends eating fish and unsaturated fats at least twice a week » for better health. But whilst she says it’s crucial to have this in your diet, it can also be toxic. « Fish consumption has benefits – however, it’s important to know fish have mercury, which can be toxic and high amounts. »

According to the The Eatwell Guide by the NHS, you should « aim for at least 2 portions (2 x 140g) of fish every week, 1 of which should be oily, such as salmon, sardines or mackerel. »