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Highest Mercury Fish: A Guide to Safe Seafood Consumption
Mercury in Seafood: Which Fish to Avoid (and Healthy Alternatives)
Reading time : 1 minute,
Discovery Chepe Id-372-ECO
Published in
06-09-2024
Mercury is a chemical element with the symbol Hg and atomic number 80. It is a heavy metal, silvery white, liquid at room temperature and evaporates easily. It is found naturally in the earth's crust.
What fish can we consume without danger to mercury? Mercury in fish has unfortunately been increasing, the intention is not to alarm but to be aware of what is happening on the planet. Not are we going to say that we should stop eating fish at all costs, not at all. Fish is a food rich in nutrients essential for health, but sadly some types can contain mercury, a toxic metal that affects neurological development, especially in children and pregnant women.
Origin of mercury in fish
a) Mercury is a natural metal present in the Earth's crust.
b) It is released into the environment by human activities such as mining, burning of fossil fuels and waste incineration.
c) Mercury in the air settles in water and becomes methylmercury, a form that is absorbed by aquatic organisms.
d) Predatory fish accumulate higher levels of methylmercury in their muscle tissue.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have established a guideline action level of 0.5 parts per million (ppm) for methylmercury in fish commercial. This means the government can take action if it finds levels of methylmercury above 0.5 ppm in fish.
Mercury in Fish: Unveiling the Species with the Most Contamination
Consequences of consuming fish with high mercury content
a) Neurological development problems: In children, methylmercury affects the development of the brain and nervous system, causing problems with learning, memory, attention and coordination.
b) Health problems in adults: Methylmercury can affect the health of adults, causing problems with memory, coordination, vision and hearing.
c) Risks for pregnant and lactating women: Methylmercury can pass through the placenta and breast milk, affecting the development of the fetus or baby.
Types of fish most affected by mercury
a) Predatory fish: Swordfish, shark, mackerel, bluefin tuna, lofolátilo, grouper, marlin.
b) Long-lived fish: White shark, clockfish, bluefin tuna.
c) Fish from polluted waters: Some types of freshwater fish, such as perch, pike and in some cases tilapia.
Can mercutio be eliminated from fish?
Unfortunately, there is no way to remove mercury from fish once it has accumulated in its tissue. Mercury binds to fish proteins and cannot be removed by cooking, cleaning, or any other processing methods.
How is mercury detected in fish?
Unfortunately, they are specialized studies and are not available to everyone. There are rapid test kits for detecting mercury in fish and in addition, some researchers have developed fluorescent sensors that light up in the presence of mercury. Among other types of study techniques.
Recommendations to reduce exposure to mercury
a) Eat low-mercury fish: Choose fish such as salmon, sardines, canned light tuna and cod, which have low levels of mercury. In short, fish that are not at the top of the food chain and do not live in obviously contaminated waters. In the case of oysters and crustaceans, they maintain low levels of mercury.
b) Limit consumption of fish high in mercury: Pregnant women, women planning to become pregnant, and young children should avoid eating swordfish, shark, mackerel, and lofolatyl.
c) Consult with a health professional: If you have questions about fish consumption and mercury, consult with a doctor or nutritionist.
d) General recommendations for fish consumption vary depending on age, sex and health condition. In general, it is recommended to consume 1 to 2 servings of fish a week, preferably of different types and low in mercury. Always consult a nutrition and health professional.
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