You probably know by now how we are often encouraged to eat seafood because it is healthy, but eating aquatic life may also endanger your health. This is because some fish are concentrated with metals, industrial chemicals, parasites and pesticides, which aren’t healthy for us. It could also be due to “over-fishing” which is a form of over-exploitation where fish stocks are reduced to below acceptable levels; resulting in resource depletion, reduced biological growth rates and low biomass levels. Below are some types of fish that you should avoid eating.
1. Tile fish
The tile fish has some of the highest levels of mercury and are currently over-fished and also have other issues. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends a maximum of one serving per month for adults, assuming that no other contaminated fish are consumed.
2. Shark
Shark is one of those large fish that you should stay away from completely, as they can accumulate high levels of environmental pollutants like mercury. When mercury falls as part of rain or snow, it contaminates natural water sources and is taken in by small aquatic plants and animals that end up getting consumed by the bigger fish. This builds up the mercury level and this process is called “bioaccumulation”.
3. Swordfish
Swordfish contains the highest levels of mercury found in any of the larger edible fish, and the mercury levels accumulate over time. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends one serving per month (assuming no other contaminated fish are consumed), and should be completely avoided by children. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also recommends that pregnant women, women of childbearing age and young children should avoid eating this fish.
4. Bluefin tuna
This type of tuna comes in three species: the Atlantic (largest and most endangered), Pacific and Southern. Most types of tuna have high mercury levels. It has also been greatly over-fished due to popular demand. Although canned tuna is the second most widely consumed seafood product in the United States, it poses some risks if consumed on a regular basis. Pregnant women and children are advised to totally stay off it.
These fish are dangerous to your health, so if you must consume them at all, ensure that you do not take any more than the recommended serving.
image courtesy of: webmd.com, momxmarebeli.ge.
