Fish High in Mercury

Mercury is a heavy metal pollutant and neurological toxin that may be kept in animal tissues for a long period. Long-lived, predatory fish are especially vulnerable to mercury accumulation and can carry quantities up to one million times the concentration of their surrounding water. As a result, seafood, particularly wild types, is the principal source of mercury in humans. When someone consumes mercury, it travels throughout their body, concentrating in the brain, liver, and kidneys. It accumulates in the placenta and fetus of pregnant women. Mercury poisoning causes disturbance of the central nervous system and neurotransmitters, as well as activation of neurotoxins, resulting in brain damage.

Mercury can affect brain development and induce cell component damage in developing fetuses and early children. Cerebral palsy and other developmental delays and disabilities can result from this. Most fish, however, is not a substantial source of mercury. Indeed, fish is a high-quality protein that provides a variety of minerals, including omega-3s, vitamin B12, zinc, iron, and magnesium. As a result, it is essential to consume fish as part of a balanced diet. Adults should consume two to three servings of fish each week, on average. If you're eating shark or swordfish, limit yourself to one meal and no other fish for the rest of the week.