Pescatarianism is very close to vegetarianism, the main difference is that Pescatarians emphasize the consumption of fish; as Vegetarians do not eat any meat or poultry whatsoever. Along with fish and shellfish they also consume things along the lines of fruit, grains, vegetables, nuts, eggs, and dairy, but do not devour any other meats or fowl. Many people become Pescatarian if their overall goal is to become Vegan or Vegetarian. It’s a good way to ease into the diet without a harsh transition. To others it’s a great middle ground and for some it’s all about the health reasons.

Red meats are considerably more high in saturated fats causing more health problems and serious disease compared to what you get from fish. Many studies have found that red meat has been linked to colon cancer, heart disease, and even diabetes thanks to their high amounts of Omega-6 fatty acids. Fish can guarantee you a convenient amount and way of getting Omega-3 fatty acids which are so common in fish like Salmon, into your system along with many other health benefits.

Now what’s the difference between Omega-6 and Omega 3? Omega-6 are the bad fatty acids that are the ones giving you the diseases you are trying to avoid. As for Omega-3s they are the good fatty acids which have been linked to treatments for heart disease, depression, and even attention deficit disorder. Be wary though, studies have shown that there are concerns about indulging in large quantities of fish due to them containing toxins such as Mercury. Even as a Pescatarian you must limit your intake of fish to at least once or twice a week to avoid exposure to these toxins.

Only recently has the diet gained acknowledgment due to the fact that many vegetarians don’t recognize the diet as a form of vegetarianism, which technically it isn’t. Many vegetarians consider the diet to be hypocritical and although this diet might not be as environmentally or animal-friendly, it does offer a number of critical health benefits. There are many ups to an all fish diet compared to a completely meatless diet.

For instance for vegetarians it’s a lot harder to go into your local restaurant and order an already prepared meatless meal. On the other hand if you require fish into your diet, there are bound to be at least a few fish dishes on their menu. You also have a higher chance of not gaining an iron and protein deficiency. You will be gaining the protein that you would otherwise lack from a meatless diet. You also get a fantastic source of vitamin D which is great if you are limited to sunlight.

If you are interested in making this transition from a meat-inclusive diet to a Pescatarian diet, you might want to consider talking with a nutritionist or a certified dietician. They may be able to help you adopt a balanced meal plan that will optimize your the health benefits of pescatarianism.