Why Fish Have Mercury in Them

You may have heard that certain fish, like tuna, grouper and marlin, contain high levels of mercury. Furthermore, pregnant women and people with young children should steer clear of certain seafood items.

Airborne mercury from industrial pollution enters bodies of water and reacts with carbon to form methylmercury - an organic form of mercury. This pollutant ends up contaminating fish, plants and other animals.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for human health. Not only do they lower the risk of heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and some cancers but they have a positive effect on inflammatory and autoimmune diseases like asthma, ulcerative colitis and bowel disorders as well.

Fish are an important source of omega-3 fatty acids and should be eaten in moderation. Even though many experts recommend eating fish twice a week, some species of fish have high mercury levels. Therefore, caution is advised when consuming any type of seafood.

Eating too much mercury can have serious adverse effects, including a diminished immune response, depression and anxiety, headaches and brain damage in both children and adults alike. Furthermore, it may increase the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) suggests a moderate consumption of certain fish species that are low in mercury and rich in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, such as anchovies, herring, salmon, sardines and trout.

Fish is also an excellent source of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids in the diet, which have been known to reduce inflammation, reduce heart disease risk factors, and lower triglyceride levels.

However, the EPA and USDA advise adults to limit their consumption of certain types of fish such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish to no more than two servings per week due to their high mercury levels. Furthermore, women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should opt for fish that has lower levels of mercury.

EWG conducted a study to determine whether women who consume seafood regularly are getting too much mercury or not enough healthy omega-3 fatty acids. To do so, they reviewed data on 35 commonly eaten fish's mercury and omega-3 levels compared with the EPA's 2001 reference dose for methylmercury, as well as its health-based weekly target of 1,750 milligrams of EPA/DHA each.

Though the EPA and FDA's recommendations for seafood consumption are sound, EWG discovered that some species of seafood were not adequately reported on labels or in nutrient databases. We thus urge the FDA to increase its oversight of these dietary ingredients.

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins and minerals are vital nutrients that fish require for health, growth, and to fight disease and infection.

Quality fish food should provide essential nutrients that fish need for healthy growth and development, including high percentages of digestible protein, essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals.

Fish is packed full of essential vitamins like Vitamins A, B12 and C - essential for optimal body functioning that may reduce the risk of heart disease or dementia.

Fish is a great source of vitamin B12, which aids in oxygen transport to the blood and protects nerve problems. Additionally, it may improve memory and combat depression.

Fish is also rich in calcium, which aids bone growth and strength. This nutrient can prevent rickets and osteomalacia.

Fish is packed full of essential vitamins, but three of the most crucial are vitamin A, B12 and C. Vitamin A helps protect the immune system while aiding red blood cell production and DNA reproduction while B12 assists in making new cells and supporting nerve function.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that combats free radicals that may lead to diseases in fish. Additionally, it aids with iron absorption as well as other essential nutrients.

Fish also provides essential vitamins B6 and B12, which have long been recognized as essential for managing stress and strengthening immunity. Lacking these vital vitamins may result in serious health issues like anemia or low energy levels.

Fish also contains iron, zinc and selenium which are essential nutrients for immune function and can aid in the prevention of cancer development. They may also protect against infections and allergies.

Heart Health

The heart is the beating center of your body, pumping millions of gallons of blood through its circulatory system to every part. This continuous and reliable circulation carries oxygen, fuel, hormones and other chemicals throughout it; additionally it flushes away waste products that could otherwise build up and lead to illness.

Your heart is an impressive muscle, but it can sometimes give out. When this occurs, you need to take action in order to preserve its health.

Fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for your heart and may reduce inflammation throughout the body. Plus, fish contains essential vitamins and minerals like selenium that promote good health.

However, you should be aware that certain fish contain high levels of mercury which could pose serious risks to your heart health. These include certain varieties of tuna, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish and shark.

Mercury can have devastating effects, particularly on pregnant women and young children. That is why the Food and Drug Administration and Environmental Protection Agency recommend that women who are planning a pregnancy, breastfeeding mothers and young children avoid eating high-mercury fish.

It is essential to recognize that there are numerous factors which can impact your heart health, such as stress, diet, exercise, genetics and medications. Eating a nutritious diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains is key in maintaining optimal heart health.

Another factor that affects your heart's health is the amount of omega-3 fatty acids you consume. These essential fatty acids reduce inflammation throughout the body, lower blood pressure and reduce the likelihood of developing heart disease or stroke.

Studies have demonstrated that increasing omega-3 fatty acids and selenium intake is linked to lower risks of coronary heart disease, stroke and total cardiovascular disease. But how much of each should you eat to maximize these nutrients' effects?

Brain Development

The brain is an amazing structure, consisting of 100 billion neurons connected to form synapses - an intricate network. In the early years of life, children's brains are known for producing more than 1 million new connections per second. After this period of rapid expansion, pruning takes place to reduce overgrowth and make neural circuits more efficient.

Around 12-18 days after conception, primitive neural tissue (known as the primitive neural plate) begins to form within the womb. This primitive neurulation serves as the building blocks for future brain development. Once this neurulation is complete, immature cells begin their journey toward an established location on the ectodermal (outer) layer of the embryo in waves.

Once the first migrating neurons reach their destination, a vast network of connections known as the cerebral cortex emerges. This region consists of multilayered tissue several millimeters thick and is made up of individual neurons. Each neuron may have up to thousand connections made up of an axon and dendrite.

The rapid connection of neurons and synapses that occurs during early childhood is essential for the formation of specific learning and behavior patterns. These "primes" are formed through environmental influence as well as experiences a child has during these formative years.

Therefore, how a child learns, thinks and feels is highly dependent on their early experiences. If these early memories are positive, the brain has an excellent foundation from which to grow into healthy adults with strong social and mental skills; conversely, if there are too many negative ones then the brain becomes fragile and less capable of adapting to different scenarios.

Fish are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, essential for brain development. Unfortunately, fish also contain mercury which can damage the brain if consumed at high levels. Thus, pregnant women and parents should be aware of the potential risks associated with mercury exposure through fish consumption. Fortunately, there are other healthy dietary choices that can offset any effects caused by consuming mercury-contaminated seafood.