One of the most popular freshwater fish today is Swai Fish. It goes by various names such as Panganius fish, Panga, Basa Fish, Vietnamese Cat Fish, etc. In spite of this being a delicious fish, it’s a most avoided fish as it is contaminated with toxins. It is flaky, has low-fat content, and is affordable. Swai is a widespread food in the United States as it comes for half the price and is used in sandwiches or tacos.
A study stated that 67% of unidentified fish in many recipes are swai fish.
113 gms of uncooked fish Swai fish serves
Calories | 70 |
Protein | 15 gms |
Fat | 1.5 gms |
Omega-3 fat | 11mg |
Cholesterol | 45 gms |
Carbs | 0 gms |
Sodium | 350 mg |
Niacin | 14 % of the Reference Daily Intake |
Vitamin B 12 | 19 % of the RDI |
Selenium | 26 % of the RDI |
The Swai Fish are harvested in large fish farms in basins of Southeast Asia in the Mekong river. These cultivation sites are usually dirty and overcrowded and are the reason why pathogens spread quickly. Algaecides and disinfectants are used in the breeding process, which is harmful toxins.
Citric acid and phosphates(1) are used during the processing of the fish fillets, which allows more water absorption while freezing. Phosphates are necessary for healthy nutrition, but an excess of it can lead to cardiac diseases and kidney diseases.
Swai fish, unlike other varieties of fish, do not contain basic nutrition like protein, iodine, and omega -3 fatty acids. One hundred grams of this fish has a nutritive value of 78 gms. The more nutritious fish options would be salmon and mackerel that are better sources of omega-3(2).
[ Read: Benefits of Swordfish ]
A program called Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch has stressed on avoiding the swai. These fish generate waste products that get dumped in the river and cause water pollution. It is a matter of concern as there are traces of disinfectants, antibiotics, parasitic drugs, and chemical agents found in the wastewater. Studies show that Swai has mercury present in it.
Swai Fish is usually found in Mekong delta, and they aren’t established hygienically. They have often caused health issues. There is a lack of regulation in this fishing industry. The Mekong Delta in Vietnam is made up of untreated water.
The pollutants from the frequent flood have also contaminated the river. French-based retailers like Carrefour have discontinued Swai Fish as the attempts made to establish a certified and controlled swai supply has failed.
These fish suffer a cruel death, and it is precisely one of the reasons to abstain from fishing them. They are harvested twice as much compared to others because of the usage of antibiotics. They are killed as cheaply as available as they operate on low margins in the fish market. There are instances when the fish are carried alive in baskets for selling purposes.
[ Read: Benefits of Tuna Fish ]
If you want to add fish to your diet, you shouldn’t choose this fish. Other varieties offer better benefits and are priced reasonably as well. On instances where you want to eat swai, opt for ones with certifications like ASC Farmed Pangasius, BAP Certified. Else, this fish is best avoided. Healthier fish options would be salmon, Sardines, Atlantic Mackerel, etc.
[ Read: Butterfish Benefits ]
No, they are not! However, it is often confused for catfish in the United States as its scientific name is ‘Sutchi Catfish”.
It is a white flesh fish and has a very mild taste. It is often marinated with spices and herbs to enhance its flavor as it doesn’t have much of a flavor of its own.