The Fattest Catch: Why You Should Avoid This Bargain Buy at the Market

How Harmful is the Mercury in Fish?

Some fish species have mercury levels that exceed the safe limit. The amount of mercury in fish and seafood depends on the species and the level of pollution in their water environment. Generally, larger and longer-living fish tend to contain the highest amounts of mercury. These include shark, swordfish, fresh tuna, carp, king mackerel, tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico, and northern pike.

Larger fish tend to eat smaller fish that may contain small amounts of mercury. As a result, mercury levels in these larger fish can build up over time as this toxin is difficult to expel from their bodies. Mercury levels in fish are measured in parts per million (ppm).

There have been numerous cases of mercury poisoning from consuming fish with high mercury levels, exceeding the safe limit. Over time, mercury can cause severe toxicity and significantly impact one’s health, leading to various brain and liver diseases and increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, autism, depression, and more.

Which Fish Contain the Highest Levels of Mercury?

Catfish: Larger catfish that are farmed and fed hormones to increase their weight for higher profits are considered unclean and potentially harmful due to possible mercury contamination.

Sea Perch: Unlike freshwater perch, sea perch is ranked by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as one of the most mercury-prone fish because they live on the sea floor (80% of mercury in the upper water layer is destroyed by sunlight).

Being omnivorous, they are also more susceptible to toxins and microorganisms in their environment. Consuming sea perch regularly can lead to a build-up of toxins in the human body, potentially causing mercury poisoning and damaging the mouth, teeth, and digestive system.

Climbing Perch: Climbing perch is a type of fish that Vietnam has the opportunity to export, thus increasing its economic value. However, when tested for crystal violet and malachite green in the US, the results were not as expected. Unfortunately, the US has listed climbing perch as a low-quality fish and one of the eight fish with the highest mercury levels.

Mackerel: Mackerel is a fish that contains high levels of omega-3, which is excellent for the development of children and pregnant women. However, it is also a mercury-containing fish that consumers should be aware of. Mackerel from the Atlantic region is considered a safer option.

Which Fish Are the Healthiest?

Research shows that fatty fish containing high levels of omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for cardiovascular health. Omega-3 can also reduce the risk of stroke and Alzheimer’s disease.

Good sources of these healthy acids include wild salmon, herring, sardines, anchovies, and trout.