Health & Life

6 Types of Nutritious Fish Containing High Levels of Mercury: The Danger of Type 2 Fish, Popular Choice with Double the Toxicity

When shopping, it is important to avoid being enticed by these types of fish, as they are often prone to heavy metal contamination that can be harmful to our health.

Administrator

6 March, 2024

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Large freshwater fish

When shopping, many people like to eat big fish because they have more meat and fewer bones. It is easier to remove the bones from larger fish than from smaller fish. That’s why large freshwater fish often have higher prices than smaller fish. However, few people know that most large freshwater fish weigh only about 1.5-2kg and have been raised for many years with a lot of care. But there are also larger fish weighing from 4-7kg that are being sold.

For this type of fish, you should not buy them because they may have been injected with growth hormones or have lived for a long time in muddy areas, which increases their chances of accumulating pollutants. In particular, for these fish to reach such sizes, the fish farmers have to feed them with a lot of growth-stimulating substances for a long period of time. If we regularly eat these types of fish for a long time, it can lead to many dangerous chronic diseases.

Poisonous snakehead fish that should not be eaten in any form

Swollen fish belly

When going to the market, if you see dead fish that are not moving but have a very swollen belly, it means that they have been dead for a long time. The prices of these types of fish are usually cheaper. At the same time, the internal organs are damaged, causing gas to accumulate, resulting in a swollen belly. According to nutrition experts, when fish die, their immune system weakens and free-floating bacteria thrive. The decomposition process produces organic acids that create a foul smell and change the color and protein content of the fish.

Also, when dead fish have been lying for a long time, their flesh decomposes and produces toxins. People who eat this type of fish can experience acute poisoning, such as digestive disorders, bloating, indigestion, abdominal pain, diarrhea, etc. Therefore, these types of fish, even if they are cheap, should not be purchased.

Catfish/mandarin fish

Vietnam has a lot of these types of fish, and they are also exported to foreign countries. However, when tested for mercury and Malachite green in the United States, they all showed positive results. Catfish from Vietnam is considered dirty and should be avoided. Therefore, you should not buy these types of fish for daily consumption to prevent potential chronic diseases.

Snakehead fish

Snakehead fish is a dangerous fish for everyone. Eating it not only leads to mercury poisoning but also can be fatal. That’s why you should not eat snakehead fish. Especially for pregnant women, it is absolutely not advisable to eat this type of fish. Moreover, snakehead fish contains dangerous toxins such as tetradotoxin in the ovaries and hepatoxin in the liver. These toxins can poison the body and be life-threatening if not properly processed.

Atlantic swordfish

Everyone knows that the blue Atlantic swordfish is a large fish. It is also one of the fish species with high levels of mercury. Overconsumption of swordfish can increase the risk of methylmercury poisoning. That’s why you should not eat too much of this type of fish to prevent illness. When going to the market and seeing this type of fish, you should not be tempted, as it can cause health problems.

Frequently asked questions

Fish in this weight category may have been injected with growth hormones or lived in polluted, muddy areas, increasing the risk of consuming harmful pollutants and chemicals. The use of growth-stimulating substances over an extended period to achieve such sizes can also lead to dangerous chronic health issues if consumed regularly.

A swollen belly indicates that the fish has been dead for a prolonged period. The internal organs have begun to decay, leading to gas accumulation and the proliferation of free-floating bacteria. This process results in the production of organic acids, causing a foul odor and altering the color and protein content of the fish. Such fish should be avoided due to potential health risks.

Consuming fish with swollen bellies can lead to acute poisoning, including digestive issues, bloating, indigestion, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The decomposition of the fish’s flesh produces toxins that can be harmful to humans.

Catfish/mandarin fish from Vietnam have been found to contain traces of mercury and Malachite green upon testing in the United States. These contaminants are harmful and can potentially lead to chronic health issues. Therefore, it is recommended to refrain from purchasing and consuming these fish regularly.

Snakehead fish contains high levels of mercury, and consuming it can lead to mercury poisoning. Additionally, it contains dangerous toxins such as tetradotoxin in the ovaries and hepatoxin in the liver. These toxins can be life-threatening if the fish is not properly prepared and processed. Pregnant women are especially advised against consuming snakehead fish due to potential risks to their health and their child’s development.

Atlantic swordfish is known for its large size and high mercury levels. Consuming too much swordfish can increase the risk of methylmercury poisoning and lead to health issues. It is important to exercise moderation when it comes to including this fish in your diet.