1. What is the impact of pregnant women eating mercury-containing fish?
Fish is a very good food for mothers and babies during pregnancy. However, there are certain types of fish that are contaminated with mercury, which can be harmful to the developing fetus, so mothers should avoid eating them throughout their pregnancy.
Mercury is a toxic substance that poses a danger to human health, including pregnant women. The mercury from seafood enters the mother’s bloodstream, then naturally transfers to the fetus, directly affecting its development. Mercury can cause birth defects such as blindness, deafness, kidney damage, and delayed brain development, as well as slow weight gain if the fetus is exposed to metals in the womb.
2. Fish species with the highest mercury content
Farmed Salmon
Wild salmon is very good for human health. However, for various reasons, farming salmon has become very popular nowadays. Farmed salmon is fed with industrial food to produce large, fatty fish with high calories and saturated fats, but low essential minerals for the body. The levels of omega-3 and omega-6 in farmed salmon are also lower. More seriously, salmon farms often do not ensure hygiene and are at risk of being contaminated with toxins such as PCBs and dioxins.
Catfish
Catfish is a type of fish that Vietnam has the opportunity to export, thereby increasing its economic value. However, when testing crystalline violet and Malachite green in the United States, the results did not meet expectations. Even worse, the United States listed catfish in the list of fish that do not guarantee quality and have the highest mercury content, which you should know.
Eel
Did you know that farmed eels are large in size and are fed with hormones to increase weight with the aim of maximizing profits? These eels are considered unclean and at risk of being contaminated with harmful mercury, so readers should consider their choice.
Catfish
Catfish is a type of fish that is prone to mercury contamination and is considered unclean due to their absorption of industrial and agricultural waste through water sources.
Chilean Snow Crab
Although Chilean snow crab is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, you should also limit consumption of this fish because it contains a very high level of mercury, exceeding 86% of the allowable level. Readers should consider their choice. Snow crabs with black stripes are still safe, but should only be consumed once a week and should not be eaten with any other seafood.
Should children eat a lot of fish?
The answer is: Yes, children should eat enough fish to provide adequate nutrition for their body’s development. Fish is an excellent source of high-quality protein, not only for children but also for people of all ages, and typically contains important nutrients for the development of children, including calcium, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. These omega-3 fatty acids are especially beneficial for the brain development of children and are difficult to find in other types of food. However, parents should pay attention to choosing the right type of fish to avoid exposure to high levels of mercury.
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Nutritious Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy for a Safer Baby
Pregnancy for a Safer Baby’>
There are plenty of delicious and nutritious foods available for the average person, but during pregnancy, it is important for women to limit their intake of certain foods.