Is Mercury Dangerous In Fish?

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Video: Is Mercury Dangerous In Fish?

Video: Is Mercury Dangerous In Fish?
Video: The 2 Fish I Am No Longer Going to Eat! (Too Much Mercury) 2024, September
Is Mercury Dangerous In Fish?
Is Mercury Dangerous In Fish?
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We have all heard how useful it is to eat fish and it is mandatory to eat it at least once a week. It is a well-known fact that fish is rich in protein, selenium, vitamins A, D, E and B12, omega 3 fatty acids, calcium, phosphorus, iodine and other important substances.

In recent years, however, there has been increasing talk of a high presence of mercury in most fish species. The most dangerous are shark, mackerel, tuna, eel and pangasius.

Where does mercury come from in a fish's body?

Mercury is generally found in the environment, but naturally it does not pose a danger to the human body. The big problem comes from the use of large amounts of mercury by humans, which is then released into the environment, and of course, water bodies are also affected. In this case, the toxic substance can be ingested by aquatic life and later reach the human body through consumption of fish.

Is mercury dangerous in fish?
Is mercury dangerous in fish?

Usually mercury is in larger quantities in the body of larger marine life. The arithmetic is simple: small sea creatures feed on mercury-containing plants. Larger fish eat smaller ones and thus a large amount of the dangerous substance accumulates in their body. This is why fish such as sharks or tuna contain more mercury in their bodies than small fish.

After consumption of infected with mercury fish the dangerous substance accumulates in the human body. It is not desirable for these species of marine life to be consumed by pregnant women. This does not mean that pregnant women should not eat fish. They just have to choose more carefully the seafood delicacies they eat.

It is important to say that the fish it can be consumed in moderation because the benefits of eating it outweigh the harms.

Freshwater fish is considered safer, but it must be caught in a clean and unpolluted pool of heavy metals. In addition, it is preferable to obtain the fish from a natural water source, rather than from a farm where it is fed with mixtures and given various additives and substances.

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