New guide is fish for thought

Efalex and nutritionist Fiona Hunter launch free educational guide to make fish the dish of the day 90% of the population are aware that fish is important for their health, but for 70% of Brits, fish is not the dish of the day* with only 30% eating the government recommended intake**. The survey results revealed that the population’s culinary skills may be to blame for the nation’s aversion to eating fish.

With this in mind, Efamol – manufacturers of the Omega-3 and 6 supplement, Efalex - has joined forces with leading nutritionist Fiona Hunter and Seafish*** to launch ‘Fish for Thought’, a handy guide full of tips and tricks to help you incorporate more fish into your diet.

Over 40% of people don’t know how to prepare fish and almost half (48%) admit that they would eat more fish if they knew how to cook it*. ‘Fish for Thought’ is an easy-to-follow guide designed to address this gap in knowledge and encourage the nation to eat more fish, and benefit from its vital nutrients, including Omega-3.

The guide provides lots of practical advice, hints and tips on buying, storing and cooking delicious recipes that the whole family will love. For example, did you know that the best fish are those with bright clear eyes and that you should choose fish with skin that is shiny and moist?

As well as advising on the health benefits of fish, readers can also learn about the importance of buying sustainable fish such as pollock as an alternative to cod. The guide also includes a range of tips on how to boost intake on a budget - including the use of cheaper salmon off-cuts which are ideal for sandwiches, pasta and fish pies - and how to supplement the diet for those who still find it difficult to eat the government recommended intake of fish.

Fiona Hunter comments: “It is concerning that four in five people don’t eat enough oily fish as adequate intake of Omega-3 fatty acids is vital. Oily fish is a rich source of omega-3, a family of essential fatty acids, which provide the nutrients required for good health. Because our brains comprise approximately 60% fat, they need a good supply of this vital nutrient for healthy brain function, concentration, learning ability and co-ordination. The new guide reveals how easy it is to incorporate fish into our daily diets and provides useful information about its health benefits.”

For free copies of ‘Fish for Thought’ or for more information about Efalex, visit Efamol.com.

* Efamol food survey, November, 2007

** The government recommends an intake of at least two portions of fish a week, at least one of which should be oily fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, trout and some forms of tuna

*** The Sea Fish Industry Authority. For further information, visit Seafish.org