We all know that fish is an important part of a healthy diet. These provide us with quality proteins and other essential micronutrients, in addition to Omega-3 acids and saturated fats. However, you should know which fish contain the most mercury and try to avoid them. Although they do not affect all people equally , its prolonged consumption is shown to end up being toxic.
Fish, like shellfish, contain traces of mercury. These amounts are not usually a problem for most of us, but some fish contain higher levels of this element, and they become a not so healthy food. Especially when we introduce it into our diet continuously and unconcerned by the idea that it is a superfood.
In the case of pregnant women, when breastfeeding or when feeding the smallest of the house, it is recommended to consume fish low in mercury, in order to avoid its accumulation in the body. They are without a doubt the population group that should pay the most attention to this element and avoid it at all costs.
Mercury levels can also develop in adults, becoming unhealthy. High levels of mercury can cause permanent damage to the kidneys and brain. Mercury is naturally removed from your body, but it may take several months for it to pass. For that reason, women planning to become pregnant can begin avoiding fish with the highest mercury content before the gestation period.
How does mercury get into fish?
Mercury is found in fish in the form of methylmercury. First, mercury is released into the air and later it is deposited on land and water. Bacteria and other microorganisms convert mercury to methylmercury.
Fish and shellfish end up absorbing the methylmercury. This is passed from one organism to another when it is within the same food chain. For this reason, fish that live longer will have higher levels of this toxin.
Effects of methylmercury in humans
Methylmercury is toxic to the central nervous system, brain, and spinal cord. It causes irreversible damage. The brains of fetuses and babies are especially susceptible. How much damage is done depends on the amount of exposure to the chemical. The effects of methylmercury poisoning include cerebral palsy, blindness, deafness, impaired mental function, impaired lung function, or growth problems.
Which fish has the most mercury?
Large fish have more mercury for the simple reason that they tend to live longer. They have more time to accumulate higher levels of mercury in their bodies and they feed on larger and larger prey with higher levels of mercury.
Therefore, you should avoid consuming more than two servings of these fish.
The shark, the makarel, or the swordfish along with the saber fish, may be the ones that contain the most methylmercury. They are fish that we can find in large pieces or fillets larger than other fish.
Other fish, which are also a good size but lower concentrations of mercury are mackerel, black cod, some type of grouper and even tuna. Perhaps this fish is safer, but even so, there are fish that contain lower amounts, which are really insignificant for our body.
Among the fish that provide the least amounts of mercury are hake, sardines, squid or crayfish and trout. Although there are many more, you can ask your trusted fishmonger about the best options for this type of fish.
