Is swai a healthy fish to eat? Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Vietnam imported more than $1.5 billion worth of seafood in 2012. Will Goldfish Eat Other Fish? In any case, many individuals who eat swai may not know about the worries encompassing its creation on jam-packed fish ranches. You might be more careful about the kinds of fish you eat in the future after learning about the numerous health and farming issues associated with swai. Some of these substances, which are harmful to humans, can accumulate in the bodies of the fish. Swai gets fished from the rivers in each region along the Mekong Delta. It is a type of catfish that lives in freshwater and is native to Vietnamese rivers. Swai fish is a type of white fish with a mild flavor and flaky texture. @2021 - All Right Reserved - Fishing-Advisor.com, Is Swai Fish Safe To Eat? Choose a product that bears the label of an eco-certification program. However, it has been found to contain high levels of mercury, lead, cadmium, arsenic and other heavy metals. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes can be prevented by eating Swai fish. Pangasius is a white-fleshed fish with a mild taste and flaky texture. So if concerned about swai fish, here are four reasons why you may be reconsidering eating it: 1. While phosphates are essential to healthy nutrition, overconsumption of phosphates may increase your risk of heart disease. In this way, the water is heated to a high enough temperature to kill the bacteria that cause food poisoning. The fish is a good source of vitamins and minerals. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. It's low in calories yet high in protein and is a good source of vitamins and nutrients like niacin, vitamin B12, and selenium (via Healthline). Salmon species, Alaskan pollock, tilapia, channel catfish, Atlantic cod, and pangasius are the top 10 most commonly consumed seafoods in the United States. The History of Environmentalism & Why It Matters, Does Mewing Work? Tuna is one of the most popular fish in the world. Despite being nearly twice the size of the other fish in the same family, Tilapia is thought to have a softer consistency and a better taste. This is why you should. How to Cook Swai Fish: The Ultimate Recipe Guide The risks associated with consuming Swai are high. Its also called vietnamese catfish, basa fish, and iridescent shark, but its neither a basa nor a shark. Swai fish and catfish are different. In an effort to enlighten the consumers and also to appease the American fishing industry which was suffering severe financial losses from the arrival of the foreign catfish, Congress passed a law in 2003 that stated only American catfish could be legally called catfish. Which is healthier swai or catfish? The majority of swai sold comes from large-scale fish farms. Swai doesnt have especially solid eating regimens. At bistroMD, food + science is the foundation of what we do. The availability of Swai fish is limited to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. These reasons have made it one of the most common fishes used in restaurants all over the United States. When cooked, both fish are white and become tender and flaky, making them great options for fried fish cookouts. Though not as high as the grams per serving in salmon or sardines, swai's protein content is comparable to that of other white fish, such as mackerel and salmon. Fish truly should and can be a part of a balanced diet. For instance, bistroMD's catfish come from the coastal plains of eastern North Carolina. The fish swim in pure water free of pesticides or synthetic chemicals, in which they eat a diet native to the species. Take this quiz and we'll match you to a science-backed program that will work best for you. During floods, the fields of the Mekong Delta have also become contaminated with the pollutants carried in the river. 00:00 - Is SWAI a clean fish?00:39 - What is the healthiest fish to eat?01:19 - Is SWAI fish from Vietnam safe to eat?01:51 - What does SWAI taste like?02:21. It is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain health. Its one of the healthiest foods on the planet, with 90 calories per 100 gram serving and 18 grams of fat. Once the garlic starts to get fragrant, add your lemon juice and vinegar, and mix to combine and stir for a minute before taking off the heat. 12 Fish To Stay Away From - Prevention Target does not represent or warrant that the nutrition, ingredient, allergen and other product information on our Web or Mobile sites are accurate or complete, since this information comes from the product manufacturers. However, it is not related in any way to sharks or basa. You may find its origin written on them. The wild-caught swai is more likely to be free from pesticides as well as other problems that come with farm-raised ones. While the "Asian catfish" is a relative of the American catfish, it is in a different family. Catch-and-release fishing is the most common method of catching fish in North America. The study also found elevated PCB levels in a number of other fish species. Manage Settings Even protected species often wind up as fishmeal because there is no easy way to release them once caught in the nets among thousands of other fish. Studies have shown that high concentrations of this metal can cause brain damage in children, as well as lead poisoning in adults. This quality of Swai fish is largely attributed to the omega-3 fatty acids present in it. The amount of protein (15 g) is also similar to or less than other fishes. That is an issue since anti-microbials that are restricted in the U.S. are many times tracked down in fish items from Vietnam, alongside microbes like E. coli. The fish may also be called by a number of other names, including Asian catfish and iridescent shark. A serving of swai gives you about 21 grams of your daily needs. However, be aware that any aquatic meat may be subject to . Swai fish: Health Benefits, Nutrition Value, and Side Effects - FindaTopDoc However, it has been found to be contaminated with mercury and other heavy metals. Nutrition Facts Is Swai Fish Safe to Eat? Fraud and Fish Mislabeling Swai is a cheap fish that some people choose to eat. The researchers revealed that, except for one study, seafood fraud was discovered. Chip in the extra $2 for some cod or flounder, they are some of the lowest cal fishes, they have protein, and actually taste like you . Numerous health organizations around the world have criticized the water quality of Vietnamese fish farms, as these were found filled with bacteria and other chemical pollutants. Research has found the presence of heavy metals, such as mercury, in swai fish in amounts above the acceptable levels for consumption. Late last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) just announced Corfu Food, Inc.'s recall of more than 6,500 pounds of swai fish that was distributed to stores across the Midwest region. The second way to prepare swan is to fry it in oil until it turns a golden brown color, then remove it from the oil and let it rest on a paper towel to drain off the excess oil. Catch-and-release fishing is the most common method of catching fish in North America. Two varieties are widely farmed, Basa ( P. pangasius) and Swai / Tra ( P. hypophthalmus ), but what is shipped to the U.S. is mostly Swai. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. 2008;110(2):383-9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26049230/. The difference between swan and swallow is that swans are much larger than swallows, and they have a much longer tail. 3. Additionally, this Teriyaki Baked Salmon Recipe is delectable and simple to prepare. Swais other names include Vietnamese catfish (though swai is not actually catfish), iridescent shark (its not shark, either), and basa (which is deceptive, since basa is actually a different species). Even though a pound of swai fish will set you back approximately $2, its potential health risks make it significantly more expensive. It is often referred to as the Vietnamese catfish, basa, and iridescent shark. Resealable package makes it easy to store. If you are buying canned swai fish, read the labels carefully. Still, the practice is often continued illegally to supply local fish farms with large amounts of fry because it is believed that wild-caught fry is better quality than those raised in aquaculture. When cooked, both fish are white and become tender and flaky, making them great options for fried fish cookouts. Yes fish, no fish, red fishOK fish? When fish are mass-produced from the wild, there are consequences, just like when meats are raised in factories. Is Swai Fish Good for Your Health? This quality of fish is largely attributed to the omega-3 fatty acids present in it. Swai fish are known to carry parasites such as roundworms and tapeworms. Swai fillets are thinner and a little coarser than Basa. - Quora. Because it's a type of catfish farmed in Vietnam, it may not have the cleanest diet, which can result in high levels of mercury and other potentially toxic chemicals (via MedicineNet). Whiting is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and certain types of cancer. Written by Sydney Lappe, MS, RDN. Most of the available swai fish come from Vietnam. Its a great dish to serve with steamed rice or noodles, or as a side dish with other Asian dishes. Swai, which is also known as tra, tends to be course and grainier than basa. Healthy Farmed Fish and Seafood - Mark's Daily Apple It is important to know the facts before making a decision about whether or not you want to consume them. Farmers raise the catfish in muddy ponds where they readily breed. Some of the most common diseases include parasitic, bacterial, and Sporozoa infestations and infections. Swai (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) is a white freshwater fish that is found in Vietnamese rivers. However, did you know that it is frequently sold under the name of more expensive fish like catfish, sole, grouper, and flounder? Swais are safe to eat and they do not have low nutritional content despite what others are led to believe. It doesn't taste like anything, and it's so light and devoid of protein you may as well eat the plastic is comes wrapped in. The first is by boiling the fish in a large pot of water for a long period of time, and then cooking it on the stovetop. Swai fish are generally considered safe to eat, but there are a few things to keep in mind when eating them. Fresh fish can be caught from the ocean, lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds. Do You Consume Swai Fish? Four Reasons to Avoid - Why Health Line It supplies 1.5 grams of fat, of which about 0.5 grams come from saturated fat. According to a USDA Branded Food Products Database report, a 4-ounce swai fillet supplies 90 calories and 14 grams of protein. When it comes to Pangasius fish, aquaculture or fish farming has become common practice for this species. All rights reserved. Second, be sure to cook the fish properly - overcooking can make it unsafe to eat. swai will always be a better choice if you are shopping in North America. According to data from the U.S. Any additional pictures are suggested servings only. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. On the off chance that you cant find a swai item with these kinds of certificates, then youre in an ideal situation going with a better fish elective that has much higher measures of omega-3 unsaturated fats, similar to wild-got salmon. Is SWAI fish dangerous to eat? The fillets can also be cooked in a variety of ways. The questionable quality and lack of inspection of the conditions of swai fish increase the risk of a number of diseases. Farm Raised Swai Fillets - Frozen - 24oz - Good & Gather 2. Swai is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer, according to the U.S. Department of Agricultures National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, published by the National Academies Press. However, farming of swai has been carried out by the Vietnamese so it's more commonly associated with the Southeast Asian country. In fact, a recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that eating a diet rich in fish, such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and herring, was associated with a lower risk for cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality compared to a low-fat diet. The difference between the three species is that swa is a freshwater fish, while the other two are saltwater fish. Some supermarkets have now reacted to the criticism: French supermarket chain Carrefour discontinued selling Pangasius fish in January 2017. 30.2 milligrams of sodium (depending on the amount). Avocado Benefits: How Healthy is this Trending Superfood? Vietnam is the worlds largest importer of fish and seafood. According to the USDA, one 4-ounce fillet of Pangasius provides roughly: The figures may vary depending on how you prepare the fish. However, the fact that careless handling was discovered is pretty impressive. These include wild-caught salmon, sardines, and tilapia. 5 Reasons to Completely Avoid Eating Swai Fish! - Healthy Hubb Consuming some kinds of fish that were caught in the wild can be very good for your health. Swans are then cooked in this manner for up to two hours, depending on the type of fish and how long it takes to cook.