The Healthiest Fish To Avoid

Some fish are prone to mercury contamination and can be very dangerous. We show you which types of fish are safest for consumption and which ones you should avoid.

The healthiest fish is not just the one with the most nutrients. There are several species prone to mercury contamination; hence the importance of knowing which ones are the safest to ingest.

Mercury is one of the main causes of pollution in the seas. Due to industrial waste, this chemical reaches the water, and is then absorbed by aquatic microorganisms.

Mercury residues are concentrated in food chains and from there they are transferred to fish that are then consumed by people. The effects of mercury poisoning mainly cause brain damage. In young children it can affect their neurological and cognitive development. It impairs your learning performance and your IQ.

That is why some specialists recommend not eating seafood during pregnancy. They also limit their consumption in the lactation period, with the intention of avoiding harm to the child.

What is the healthiest fish?

There are a large number of species prone to this contamination. Fortunately, the list of the healthiest fish is also rich. The safest fish to eat are salmon, gado, and catfish. Among the seafood, shrimp stand out. Mussels, clams and cuttlefish are also a good option.

Trout, salmon and sardines stand out as healthier due to their nutrients. However, there is much controversy regarding tuna. Some specialists recommend its canned presentation more than natural. However, high levels of mercury have been identified in cans.

Specialists agree that shark meat, swordfish, mackerel or tilefish should be avoided . In some cases, they also reject the consumption of grouper, shrimp, marlin and dogfish.

Benefits of consuming fish

Despite the contamination, specialists recommend maintaining fish consumption. A good amount in the daily diet benefits the health of the organism. Fish is known to be a good source of Omega 3 and Omega 6. These fatty acids improve the functioning of the heart. In addition, they benefit the cardiovascular system.

For those with cholesterol problems, fish is a good option. Thanks to its saturated and polyunsaturated fats, it favors the condition of the arteries. Fatty acids, in turn, help lower triglycerides. In addition, they have anti-inflammatory capacity that benefits diseases associated with the colon.

On the other hand , it is a good alternative. to to lose weight. People who eat more fish are less prone to obesity, as well as diabetes.

Fish has a lower concentration of protein than meat. This makes it more beneficial in digestion. Therefore, it is recommended in people with gastrointestinal diseases. The consumption of fish should be one to two times a week.

How to choose the healthiest fish

Local fish should be preferred over imported species. In some areas there is a higher concentration of mercury in the water. This directly affects the fish. In case the fish are imported, it is important to know their origin.

Another good option is to choose fish that have been raised on home farms. This may not apply to all species, but it does apply to a large edible quantity. Such is the case with catfish.

Deep-sea fish are less exposed to contamination from metal debris. Also, small fish are preferable because they are at the bottom of the food chain. This makes them less prone to contamination. Blue fish are rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6. In addition to preventing cardiovascular problems, they benefit vision.

There are several organizations that assess mercury levels in fish every year. To consume the healthiest fish it is important to pay attention to the list of recommendations.

Endangered species

Another reason for choosing between fish species is the danger of extinction. Flatfish like sole and halibut are two examples of this. Instead, you can eat tilapia. Beluga caviar and sturgeon are sensitive to overfishing. In addition, these species are slow to recover after capture.

Instead, you can opt for other types of caviar, or consume those raised on domestic farms.

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As you have seen, it is not just about choosing the fish with the most nutrients. When choosing the healthiest fish, keep all these recommendations in mind. In the case of following a special diet, do not forget to consult with your doctor or nutritionist.