Is it true that tilapia has no nutritional value?
imanibelle
Posts: 130 Member
My dad says if I'm interested in improving my health I shouldn't be eating tilapia. He said, "It has no nutritional value." Is that true?
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Replies
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...why would that be true7
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Very solid from a nutritional standpoint. Hopefully he's not munching on Doritos while he's telling you that.
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imanibelle wrote: »My dad says if I'm interested in improving my health I shouldn't be eating tilapia. He said, "It has no nutritional value." Is that true?
That's...weird. Did he ever say why just tilapia in particular as opposed to all fish?2 -
It's fish. It's.... fish? How could it have no nutritional value? People believe some really weird things. I'd not be taking nutrition advice from your dad.9
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imanibelle wrote: »My dad says if I'm interested in improving my health I shouldn't be eating tilapia. He said, "It has no nutritional value." Is that true?
That's...weird. Did he ever say why just tilapia in particular as opposed to all fish?
Most of the tilapia we eat is farm raised and there has been some question about farming practices and how healthy is fish raised in crowded conditions with routine antibiotic use, (mostly in China) much the same arguments people make about meat or poultry and farming practices for that. I've never heard that tilapia has no nutritional value, but that it's actively bad for you. I'm not saying I agree with that, only that I've heard those arguments. Do you spend extra for organic or cage free eggs, free range chicken, grass fed beef? You might consider the source of your fish, as well.12 -
Tilapia is the main fish I eat these days. I like it better than whiting, which I used to eat. My dad was telling me I eat nothing but biscuits and carbs and that I don't eat real food or cook and that he's concerned. I assured him that just because I have biscuits or bread in the mornings doesnt mean I just eat carbs. I was holding some baked tilapia I was about to eat and let him see it and he said it has no nutritional value. I told him I'd never heard that before.1
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maryannprt wrote: »imanibelle wrote: »My dad says if I'm interested in improving my health I shouldn't be eating tilapia. He said, "It has no nutritional value." Is that true?
That's...weird. Did he ever say why just tilapia in particular as opposed to all fish?
Most of the tilapia we eat is farm raised and there has been some question about farming practices and how healthy is fish raised in crowded conditions with routine antibiotic use, (mostly in China) much the same arguments people make about meat or poultry and farming practices for that. I've never heard that tilapia has no nutritional value, but that it's actively bad for you. I'm not saying I agree with that, only that I've heard those arguments. Do you spend extra for organic or cage free eggs, free range chicken, grass fed beef? You might consider the source of your fish, as well.
When I want a lecture on what to eat I'll ask. The topic is the nutritional content of tilapia, which was posted above and is not anything close to zero.
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I think the bad name for Tilapia is that it is farmed in less than desirable conditions in countries like China where water pollution and banned chemicals are not up to U.S. standards. Here is a good article from Snopes. https://www.snopes.com/food/warnings/tilapia.asp "Overall, Chinese tilapia gets a moderate overall score of 5.34 out of ten." Personally I don't eat it.3
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In Australia it's banned from sale and if you catch one you're not allowed to throw it back because it's a pest.
However, it has a very standard nutritional profile for a variety of white fish and in areas where it is sold for food, it appears to be pretty inoffensive and popular.4 -
I thought I would agree with your Dad, but after a 5 minute google search, it appears Tilapia is pretty much equal to a lot of other white fish - flounder, fluke, cod, plaice, haddock. It does not have the Omega fatty acids of Salmon, Mackeral, and to a lesser extent halibut and other game fish. But few foods do...
Like any fish, pay attention to where it’s harvested. Interesting side note - Most Tilapia that is farmed in America, and the biggest supplier to Whole Foods, is the American Prison system....
On a personal note, with all the delicious fish swimming in the streams, rivers, ponds, and oceans would you EVER want to eat Tilapia? It’s almost always flavorless, and when it does taste like something it’s usually mud. I think it has a terrible mushy texture, and you can never get it fresh... Now Striped Bass, Hamachi, In season wild salmon, I could go on and on... Maybe I’ll start a thread...7 -
maryannprt wrote: »imanibelle wrote: »My dad says if I'm interested in improving my health I shouldn't be eating tilapia. He said, "It has no nutritional value." Is that true?
That's...weird. Did he ever say why just tilapia in particular as opposed to all fish?
Most of the tilapia we eat is farm raised and there has been some question about farming practices and how healthy is fish raised in crowded conditions with routine antibiotic use, (mostly in China) much the same arguments people make about meat or poultry and farming practices for that. I've never heard that tilapia has no nutritional value, but that it's actively bad for you. I'm not saying I agree with that, only that I've heard those arguments. Do you spend extra for organic or cage free eggs, free range chicken, grass fed beef? You might consider the source of your fish, as well.
When I want a lecture on what to eat I'll ask. The topic is the nutritional content of tilapia, which was posted above and is not anything close to zero.
Did I say it had no nutritional value? I was answering the question about why her father might tell her to avoid tilapia. Are you always so charming, or only w/ strangers on line?20 -
Wait for it....2
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MilesAddie wrote: »I thought I would agree with your Dad, but after a 5 minute google search, it appears Tilapia is pretty much equal to a lot of other white fish - flounder, fluke, cod, plaice, haddock. It does not have the Omega fatty acids of Salmon, Mackeral, and to a lesser extent halibut and other game fish. But few foods do...
Like any fish, pay attention to where it’s harvested. Interesting side note - Most Tilapia that is farmed in America, and the biggest supplier to Whole Foods, is the American Prison system....
On a personal note, with all the delicious fish swimming in the streams, rivers, ponds, and oceans would you EVER want to eat Tilapia? It’s almost always flavorless, and when it does taste like something it’s usually mud. I think it has a terrible mushy texture, and you can never get it fresh... Now Striped Bass, Hamachi, In season wild salmon, I could go on and on... Maybe I’ll start a thread...
I always had the impression that it's the fish of choice for people who don't really like fish.9 -
Yeah, I’ve heard that too.
I always though give em a meaty piece of halibut or swordfish, something to bridge that gap btwn a sirloin and a fish2 -
I've only had it once and I don't know if I was just unlucky but it tasted like mud. I'd think haddock or cod more palatable for non fish eaters, cod is what is typically used in fish fingers and who doesn't love a fish finger?!
But if you like it have at it. All food, with the possible exception of alcohol depending on your viewpoint, has some nutritional value, even if it's just calories.1 -
I'm cooking 3 tilapia filets (10 oz) tonight for dinner.
The generic USDA listing for this on MFP for this is 272 cals, 57g protein, no carbs and 4.8g fat.
It has all the nutritional content that I want and need.
BTW, I eat alk kinds of fish & seafood and tilapia is not a lesser choice. It is hiwever cheaper than salmon and other choices.3 -
Alatariel75 wrote: »MilesAddie wrote: »I thought I would agree with your Dad, but after a 5 minute google search, it appears Tilapia is pretty much equal to a lot of other white fish - flounder, fluke, cod, plaice, haddock. It does not have the Omega fatty acids of Salmon, Mackeral, and to a lesser extent halibut and other game fish. But few foods do...
Like any fish, pay attention to where it’s harvested. Interesting side note - Most Tilapia that is farmed in America, and the biggest supplier to Whole Foods, is the American Prison system....
On a personal note, with all the delicious fish swimming in the streams, rivers, ponds, and oceans would you EVER want to eat Tilapia? It’s almost always flavorless, and when it does taste like something it’s usually mud. I think it has a terrible mushy texture, and you can never get it fresh... Now Striped Bass, Hamachi, In season wild salmon, I could go on and on... Maybe I’ll start a thread...
I always had the impression that it's the fish of choice for people who don't really like fish.
This is what I tend to notice too.
It's okay in a pinch, I suppose, but I like it less than most other fish, and I really love most kinds of fish.
Nutritionally, though, it's fine, it's whitefish.0 -
Thanks for the replies.1
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VintageFeline wrote: »I've only had it once and I don't know if I was just unlucky but it tasted like mud. I'd think haddock or cod more palatable for non fish eaters, cod is what is typically used in fish fingers and who doesn't love a fish finger?!
But if you like it have at it. All food, with the possible exception of alcohol depending on your viewpoint, has some nutritional value, even if it's just calories.
My sentiments exactly. I'm sure it has nutritional value, as do all fish and other seafoods. However, I think it is really the most unpalatable fish I've ever eaten. Some fish farms have been found to use the tilapia as "cleaners" to eat the excrement of other fish after the more expensive fish are harvested or released into streams and rivers. While this practice is frowned upon in most countries, I expect it happens often enough and some of those fish enter the human food chain. I just don't want to risk eating poop fish, especially since I don't like it anyway. (Sorry if tilapia is your favorite.)0 -
I am NOT a fish person but the one time I tried it I found it tasteless and tough. I’ll take halibut or cod first.
Nevertheless, no matter the taste, it’s a great source for protein.1 -
imanibelle wrote: »My dad says if I'm interested in improving my health I shouldn't be eating tilapia. He said, "It has no nutritional value." Is that true?
A lot of nutritional stuff my dad said is either random, or outdated. I go with reading quality stuff and what my doctor says and just nod my head and do my own thing.
It’s not my favorite fish. But if it’s cheap where you live and you need to save money, it’s still fish and a better choice than red meat every day. Just season it well.1 -
Did your tilapia come with a nutrition label? Show it to him.3
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Tilapia is a good protein source, has plenty of nutritional value and there's nothing wrong with eating it. With that said, it's probably my least favorite fish - can't stand the texture and it doesn't have much flavor at all, but that's just my personal preference/taste speaking. I can see why somebody would say "it's the fish of choice for people who don't like fish".1
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VintageFeline wrote: »I've only had it once and I don't know if I was just unlucky but it tasted like mud. I'd think haddock or cod more palatable for non fish eaters, cod is what is typically used in fish fingers and who doesn't love a fish finger?!
Me.
As a child, I thought I hated fish and especially shellfish, but it turned out what I hated was breaded, fried, cooked-from-frozen fish and shellfish, which was the only way my mother ever served it when I was little (because she was feeding a large brood, several of whom had very unadventurous palates). Now, if you want to dredge a nice fresh fillet through some cornmeal before tossing it into a frying pan, I won't object.But if you like it have at it. All food, with the possible exception of alcohol depending on your viewpoint, has some nutritional value, even if it's just calories.
^^ This, absolutely. The whole thing of labelling foods as "nutritionally void" or "empty calories" drives me crazy. You see it so often in threads where people say they can't eat enough "healthy" foods to get anywhere near their calorie goals, often because they've restricted the list of acceptable "healthy" foods to the point that pretty much all they're eating is fibrous and/or watery vegetables and the volume and mass needed to get an adequate calorie intake is overwhelming. Other than water, calories are probably the most important nutrient, if you judge that by how quickly an excessive deficit in the nutrient is likely to lead to significant health impacts.3 -
lynn_glenmont wrote: »VintageFeline wrote: »I've only had it once and I don't know if I was just unlucky but it tasted like mud. I'd think haddock or cod more palatable for non fish eaters, cod is what is typically used in fish fingers and who doesn't love a fish finger?!
Me.
As a child, I thought I hated fish and especially shellfish, but it turned out what I hated was breaded, fried, cooked-from-frozen fish and shellfish, which was the only way my mother ever served it when I was little (because she was feeding a large brood, several of whom had very unadventurous palates). Now, if you want to dredge a nice fresh fillet through some cornmeal before tossing it into a frying pan, I won't object.
I don't like fish fingers as there's too much bread, too much salt and too little fish in them. I do like a good breaded fish every now and then though (I compare nutritional labels). I just whack it in an oven dish, add potato, sweet potato and/or parsnips, some veggies and let it cook. In the end I add a few more veggies that don't need long cooking like cherry tomatoes or green beans. Serve with home made tsatsiki, humus or feta. It's really yummy!
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maryannprt wrote: »imanibelle wrote: »My dad says if I'm interested in improving my health I shouldn't be eating tilapia. He said, "It has no nutritional value." Is that true?
That's...weird. Did he ever say why just tilapia in particular as opposed to all fish?
Most of the tilapia we eat is farm raised and there has been some question about farming practices and how healthy is fish raised in crowded conditions with routine antibiotic use, (mostly in China) much the same arguments people make about meat or poultry and farming practices for that. I've never heard that tilapia has no nutritional value, but that it's actively bad for you. I'm not saying I agree with that, only that I've heard those arguments. Do you spend extra for organic or cage free eggs, free range chicken, grass fed beef? You might consider the source of your fish, as well.
When I want a lecture on what to eat I'll ask. The topic is the nutritional content of tilapia, which was posted above and is not anything close to zero.
Except...it's not your thread, or your question, and they weren't even talking to you. And even if they were, when you post in a public forum, you don't get to control what everyone says.7 -
How old are you?
Why is your Dad telling you which foods to eat?4 -
VintageFeline wrote: »I've only had it once and I don't know if I was just unlucky but it tasted like mud. I'd think haddock or cod more palatable for non fish eaters, cod is what is typically used in fish fingers and who doesn't love a fish finger?!
But if you like it have at it. All food, with the possible exception of alcohol depending on your viewpoint, has some nutritional value, even if it's just calories.
I am having fish fingers for lunch, but I think it's pollock nowerdays....
I've had it a couple of times, at a conference in a fairly posh hotel, and it was great. I still love sea bass best. With a lot of fish I think how you cook it matters enormously. However OP, if you like it, you eat it. I have perfected the eyeroll for people who comment on my food....0 -
RuNaRoUnDaFiEld wrote: »How old are you?
Why is your Dad telling you which foods to eat?
See OPs previous posts, there have been a few.2 -
maryannprt wrote: »imanibelle wrote: »My dad says if I'm interested in improving my health I shouldn't be eating tilapia. He said, "It has no nutritional value." Is that true?
That's...weird. Did he ever say why just tilapia in particular as opposed to all fish?
Most of the tilapia we eat is farm raised and there has been some question about farming practices and how healthy is fish raised in crowded conditions with routine antibiotic use, (mostly in China) much the same arguments people make about meat or poultry and farming practices for that. I've never heard that tilapia has no nutritional value, but that it's actively bad for you. I'm not saying I agree with that, only that I've heard those arguments. Do you spend extra for organic or cage free eggs, free range chicken, grass fed beef? You might consider the source of your fish, as well.
When I want a lecture on what to eat I'll ask. The topic is the nutritional content of tilapia, which was posted above and is not anything close to zero.
Actually, it was very much on topic, as it's pretty much what you hear about tilapia nowadays and OP's father might have misunderstood and figured that the fish having no nutritional value.4
This discussion has been closed.
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