Fuzion Active - Vol 4 Apr. 2014 | Page 21

CAN EATING FISH BE DANGEROUS? We know that fish contain mercury that affects the nervous system -- that's the bad side. On the good side, experts say that fish is rich in essential fatty acid content, which protects our brain. Find out what quantity does not harm your health! Too large of doses of mercury is toxic to the Warning Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6832214 to pregnant women and young children brain, heart and nervous system. In particular, Both pregnant women and children are more susceptible to the pregnant or nursing women should be very toxic effects of mercury, so it is important to have a moderate careful about eating fish, because mercury consumption of less contaminated fish species. prevents fetal neurological development. On the other hand, numerous studies talk about high content of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and meat that help develop the brain, improve memory, and protect the heart, the fight against rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. Therefore, experts have concluded that it is not recommended to give up all types of fish, but only to those that contain large amounts of mercury or other contaminants. At least two servings per week --- that is both the World Health Organization's recommendation and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set safety recommendations on fish consumption. According to these indications, it is recommended not to exceed 340 grams of fish per week, but depending on the weight of each of us is likely that this amount be slightly lower or higher. Also, the American Heart Association says healthy adults can safely consume up to 400 grams of fish weekly. Evidence indicates that if a woman has a balanced diet in omega 3 fatty acids before becoming pregnant and during pregnancy, fetal brain develops better and has a low risk of suffering from postpartum depression, and heart and bones develop in harmony. If you are pregnant, avoid eating the following fish that are high in mercury: * Shark; * Swordfish; * Royal mackerel; * Tile fish; * Tuna; * Greenland; * Pike. Experts' advice 1. Choose fish species high in omega 3 fatty acids and low in contaminants. The best sources are salmon (wild, would be preferable), mackerel (mackerel but not royal), herring, sardines, mussels, oysters, anchovies and trout; 2. Eat a variety of fish species not limit yourself to one; 3. You can choose canned light instead of white tuna that contains three times more mercury While the 'mercury' sounds scary, if done correctly, you can still partake in eating fish!