Tilapia
Listed as a source of vitamin D (144 IU per fillet raw, 36% DV) and omega-3 (0.1 g EPA/DHA per 75 g cooked)
Why It Matters for Longevity
Listed as a source of vitamin D (144 IU per fillet raw, 36% DV) and omega-3 (0.1 g EPA/DHA per 75 g cooked) White fish providing modest vitamin D and omega-3. Tilapia has a high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio (11:1); consumption without balancing with high omega-3 fish may promote rather than reduce inflammation (PubMed) Tilapia provides complete lean protein and vitamin D; low mercury makes it safe but low EPA/DHA means it should not replace oily fish as the primary fish source (PubMed)
How to Use It
Pairs well with lemon, olive oil, vegetables. Use as a fish in your daily meals according to the Longevity Diet guidelines.
What to Pair It With
| Ingredient | Why | Tradition |
|---|---|---|
| lemon | See synergies | traditional |
| olive oil | See synergies | traditional |
| vegetables | See synergies | The Longevity Diet |
Synergies
- Sardines (complement): Tilapia is low in omega-3; pairing weeks with sardines balances omega-3 intake in varied fish rotation - Olive Oil (synergy): Cooking tilapia in olive oil adds MUFA and improves vitamin D absorption - Vegetables (complement): Neutral flavor of tilapia pairs well with bold vegetable preparations; standard Longevity Diet dinner combination
Flavor Profile
Taste: mild, neutral, slightly sweet. Aroma: mild, neutral. Texture: flaky, lean, tender. Category: white fish.
The Science
- PubMed: Tilapia has a high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio (11:1); consumption without balancing with high omega-3 fish may promote rather than reduce inflammation - PubMed: Tilapia provides complete lean protein and vitamin D; low mercury makes it safe but low EPA/DHA means it should not replace oily fish as the primary fish source - Book claim (medium confidence): Listed as a source of vitamin D (144 IU per fillet raw, 36% DV) and omega-3 (0.1 g EPA/DHA per 75 g cooked)
Key Nutrients
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Complete protein | 26 g | Lean protein; all essential amino acids; lower calorie density than oily fish |
| Vitamin D | 170 IU (raw fillet) | Useful dietary vitamin D source; fat-soluble, enhanced with dietary fat |
| EPA + DHA | 0.13 g | Very low omega-3; compensate with sardines or anchovies in the same meal plan week |