5 Types of Fish High in Mercury: Avoid Buying Them, Even if They’re Cheap, to Protect Your Health
Bluefin Tuna
Bluefin tuna is flagged as a fish with high mercury contamination. Mercury is a toxic metal that is harmful to health, as it accumulates in the body over time and is not easily eliminated. Consuming bluefin tuna can lead to mercury buildup in the body, increasing the risk of poisoning. For children, mercury poisoning from bluefin tuna can negatively affect their development. Mercury toxicity can damage the mouth’s mucous membranes, erode the digestive tract, harm the kidneys, and damage capillaries. In children, it can also cause brain damage.
King Mackerel
King mackerel, while rich in omega-3 fatty acids, is among the fish with high mercury levels, presenting both benefits and significant risks. Fortunately, omega-3 can be sourced from other options like herring or nuts, which do not pose the same mercury risks. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid king mackerel, especially for pregnant women and children.
Orange Roughy
The orange roughy, a rough-skinned, orange-colored fish, can live up to 150 years. Its long lifespan increases its likelihood of accumulating mercury. As such, it is best to avoid this fish, particularly for children.
Catfish
Catfish are scavengers that can thrive in polluted environments, making them more likely to be contaminated. They may carry mercury, lead, and various parasites. It’s best to limit catfish consumption and ensure thorough preparation when eating it.
Ocean Perch
Unlike freshwater perch, ocean perch has been classified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as one of the fish most prone to mercury contamination due to its habitat in deep-sea waters (where 80% of surface mercury has been destroyed by sunlight). Additionally, ocean perch is a bottom-feeder that may ingest toxic microorganisms, making it potentially harmful to consume.
