Imagine sitting at a delicious seafood dinner without not realizing that the fish you use could be your health – and the planet’s health – endangered.
While the fish are widely celebrated as nutritious and healthy food, not all seafood are equivalent. In fact, some of the most popular fish on today’s market are actually charged toxins, moved to the extinction point or stored in unsustainable and harmful ways.
Before you plunge into another fish fillet or seafood, it is important to know which fish are not only dangerous to your health, but also endanger the fine balance of our sea ecosystems. So which fish should you avoid and why? Let’s dive deeper into fish that you might want to think twice before joining the board.
Fish can be a nutritious supplement to a healthy diet that offers basic nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids that can help reduce the risk of various diseases, including heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, macular degeneration associated with age and rheumatoid arthritis [1].
However, not all fish are safe to consume. Due to industrial activities such as coal -fired power plants, melting and burning of waste, a significant amount of mercury is contaminated by our waterways, which eventually affect fish in these waters. This mercury then focuses on moving on the food chain, which is a process known as “biocumulation”.
Because smaller fish are consumed by larger, mercury levels increase at each stage. Eating too much mercury can damage your health and result in mercury poisoning. For this reason, US food and drug administration (FDA) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have issued instructions on the safe level of mercury consumption and the environmental defense fund (EDF) provides recommendations to avoid fish.
Atlantic cod
The problem with Atlantic Cod is not primarily about health, but rather about its impact on the environment and fish population. This species has been strongly impressed for centuries and the fishing has collapsed at the end of the 90’s. While since then the fishing for cod will decrease, the population is still trying to recover. Experts agree that this collapse has disrupted the network in the northern Atlantic and this species is now exposed to extinction.
Atlantic Flatfish (Halibut, Flounder and Sole)
 The main concerns of these species are excessive fishing and secondary respect. The drain concerns the life of fish or marine life, which is unintentionally captured in focusing on other species. In the United States every year fishing throws a secondary respect for about 2 billion GBP – roughly equivalent to half a billion meals. Gillnet California, which focuses on Halibut, is one of the worst perpetrators, and if you ate a halibut in the US, it probably came from this operation.
Caviar
Caviar comes from Beluga Sturgeon, a long -term fish that can reach up to 100 years. Because her eggs are so highly valued, Beluga Sturgeon is now at risk [5]. Other species of Jesenes also face similar threats.
Chilean Bass
 This fish is environmentally unsustainable due to excessive fishing and poses a health risk due to the high mercury content.
Eel
 The eels should be prevented, especially in the Sushi offer. These slow enlargement fish were too much hunted in many regions, causing a decrease in the population. Eels also play a key role in spreading shells that naturally filter water. In addition, eels tend to absorb harmful pollutants that can lead to health risks, so some areas recommend eating an eel no more than once a year.
Imported bass, swai, tray and striped catfish
 These fish are often simply marked as “catfish”, it is necessary to avoid. The study found that 70-80% of these imports were contaminated by vibrating bacteria, which can cause molluscs.
Imported by Farmed shrimp
 The shrimp industry is known for the use of harmful pesticides and antibiotics, some of which are forbidden in the US, the use of these chemicals and antibiotics increases the risk of bacteria resistant to antibiotics when handling raw shrimp.
Imported king crab
 Most crabs sold in the US are imported from Russia, where there are common fishing practices. Only cracked on Alaska is considered to be a “crab from King Alaska”, but the wrong sign is common. It is important to know where your crab is coming before buying.
Orange Roughly
 Orange roughness can live for decades and take more than 20 years to achieve s*xual maturity. Due to their slow level of reproduction, it is difficult to recover from excessive fishing. Orange rough also tends to accumulate high levels of mercury.
Shark
 Sharks, as the best predators, accumulate a very high level of mercury. Their slow level of maturation and reproduction also made their population vulnerable to excessive fishing.
Atlantic Bluefin tuna
 Bluefin tuna is strictly impressed and is now considered critically endangered. As large predators, they also contain high levels of mercury.
Swordfish
 As a predatory fish, the swordfish also has a high mercury content. The Environmental Defense Fund recommends that women and children completely avoid swordfish, while men should limit their consumption to once a month.
Mackerel
 The king and Spanish mackerel have a high mercury content and need to be avoided, especially in women and children.
Groups
 Grouper contains a slight level of mercury and is susceptible to excessive fishing. In addition, it is often distorted on the market, while cheaper fish are sometimes sold under the name Grouper. The study found that up to 87% of seafood, such as Grouper, Cod and Snapper, can be missed.
Toxicity selenium and mercury
 For those who still enjoy fish but are worried about mercury, it is good news that many commonly consumed fish are rich in selenium, which can help reduce mercury absorption [15]. However, this does not mean that you can consume an unlimited amount of fish with high advice. If you eat fish that are occasionally higher in mercury, their pairing with foods rich in selenium can help relieve risks.
Fish to eat more
 This does not mean that you have to eliminate fish from your diet, but emphasizes the importance of choosing responsible fish. Alaskan salmon, Pacific sardines and Atlantic mackerel are a great choice because they are rich in Omega-3 and have a lower environmental impact.
Other good opportunities include Albacore Tuna caught in the USA or Canada, Alaska, Arctic Char and Rainbow trout. The seafood of the seafood EdF provides a detailed list of the best fish to eat on the basis of environmental sustainability and health aspects.
When choosing food, it is important to consider both the impact of food health and its environmental consequences. Consumer decisions responsible are necessary to maintain the planet and ensure the survival of its kind for future generations.
Conclusion
Fish can be a nutritious and beneficial addition to your diet and offer basic omega-3 fatty acids and various other nutrients. However, it is essential to keep in mind the species that you consume due to environmental and health problems, especially mercury bioaccumulation in some fish. Excessive fishing and unsustainable fishing practices also play an important role in the exhaustion of marine ecosystems, which contributes to the vulnerability of certain species.
By dealing with the fish you eat, you can protect your health and planet. The decision on sustainable fish with lower shoulders, such as wild Alaskan salmon, Pacific Sardines and Atlantic Makrel, not only promote better health, but also contributes to maintaining marine life. The remaining of potential risks associated with excessive and high types of advice, as well as the consideration of alternative options, can help ensure a more sustainable and healthier future for you and oceans.
The inclusion of these conscious decisions in your diet not only protects your well -being, but also supports long -term health of water ecosystems of our planet, which creates a positive impact on future generations.