## How Harmful is the Mercury in Fish?
How harmful is the mercury in fish?
Some fish contain high levels of mercury, which is a concern for consumers’ health. Mercury is a heavy metal found naturally in the environment, such as in the air, water, and soil. This metal is released into the environment in various ways, such as coal burning and volcanic eruptions. From there, mercury can fall from the air and accumulate in streams and oceans, turning into methylmercury in the water.
Nowadays, with environmental pollution always in a state of alert, the amount of mercury in the water has increased significantly, along with the fish species that are affected. As a result, humans are at risk of exposure to mercury in many ways, not just by inhaling mercury vapors through mining or working in industrial environments, but also through the fish in their daily menus.
There have been many cases of mercury poisoning due to eating mercury-containing fish, with mercury levels exceeding the allowable threshold. Over time, mercury can cause high toxicity and seriously affect health, increasing brain and liver diseases and the risk of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, autism, depression, and more.
What type of fish has the highest mercury content?
Fish are rich in nutrients, but consumers need to consider the consumption of the following eight mercury-containing fish:
Catfish
Did you know that large catfish are farmed and fed hormones to increase their weight for higher profits? These fish are considered unclean and potentially harmful, and consumers should consider choosing other options.
Bigeye Tuna
According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), bigeye tuna is classified as having high mercury levels. Therefore, the FDA advises that children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers should avoid eating this type of tuna.
For adults, it is recommended to limit the consumption of bigeye tuna to no more than once a week. If you enjoy tuna, you can opt for other types of tuna with lower mercury levels, such as canned albacore tuna or skipjack tuna.
Climbing Perch: Capable of Accumulating High Levels of Mercury
However, the mercury levels in climbing perch can vary depending on their origin, size, and habitat.
To ensure safety, it is recommended to not eat climbing perch more than twice a week. It is also advisable to purchase climbing perch from reputable sources that guarantee quality and have a clear origin. Choosing smaller climbing perch is preferable, as they tend to contain less mercury than larger ones.
Mackerel
Mackerel is a fish that contains high levels of omega-3, which is beneficial for the development of children and pregnant women. However, it is important to note that mackerel may contain harmful levels of mercury, and consumers should be aware of this before purchasing. Mackerel from the Atlantic region is considered a safer option.
Sea Bass
Sea bass is classified as having high mercury levels, so it is recommended to limit or avoid its consumption, especially for pregnant and nursing women and children. Regularly eating sea bass can lead to mercury accumulation in the body, resulting in serious health issues.
Wild sea bass may contain parasites, which can cause digestive and health problems if the fish is not properly prepared. If you enjoy fish, there are alternative options with lower mercury levels, such as salmon, herring, sardines, anchovies, cod, and tilapia.
Moray Eel
According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), moray eel is classified as having the highest mercury levels, along with swordfish, king mackerel, and tilefish.
Moray eels living in coral reef environments may be contaminated with Ciguatera toxins produced by a type of marine algae. These toxins are not destroyed by cooking and can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, numbness in the hands and feet, and even heart rhythm disturbances and respiratory failure.
Therefore, experts advise limiting the consumption of moray eel, especially for sensitive individuals. If you enjoy moray eel, it is recommended to consume it in moderation and choose smaller eels, as they tend to have lower mercury levels.
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