Page 44 - Spring2018

Marine fish (below) provides more detailed information, nutritional choices, wild-caught fatty fish, such
11
(but not but this advice does not appear to differ much as salmon, sardines and anchovies, are the best
from the 2004 advisory, which recommended up choices because they contain more of the im-
fresh water to twelve ounces of fish per week and avoidance portant omega-3 fatty acids. Fish, often called
fish) carry of specific fish high in mercury. 12 “brain food,” contain important amounts of the
The Centers for Disease Control and omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA, which are
their own Prevention (CDC) have this to say about preg- important for proper fetal development, includ-
detoxification nant women and fish consumption: “Most fish ing neuronal, retinal and immune function.
agent in the purchased in the market in the United States DHA is especially important for brain and eye
form of do not have mercury levels that pose a risk development. Fish are also an excellent source of
to anyone, including pregnant women. Since fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K. Oysters
selenium, mercury accumulates in the muscles of fish, are an excellent source of zinc and are on the

a powerful larger fish that feed on smaller fish and live for FDA “Best Choices” list. 11
detoxifying long periods usually have larger concentrations In addition, wild-caught fish contain an-
of methylmercury (MeHg) than fish that feed tioxidants. Marine fish (but not fresh water
agent known on plants. For example, shark and swordfish fish) carry their own detoxification agent in the
to detox normally contain the highest levels of mercury form of selenium, a powerful detoxifying agent

mercury. out of all ocean fish. Scientists have an ongoing known to detox mercury. Yellowfin, mahi mahi,
debate about the value of fish in the diet versus skipjack, spearfish, wahoo, albacore, bigeye,
any risk from increased exposure of pregnant and monchong contain high amounts of seleni-
women to methylmercury that may be in the um. Other good sources of selenium are organ
14
fish. The safety of most fish sold commercially meats, such as chicken livers and gizzards, and
in the United States is regulated by the FDA. brazil nuts. Experiments show that selenium-
These fish pose no health risks to those who eat treated animals may remain unaffected, even
them. Only fish or wildlife containing relatively when they have attained tissue mercury levels
high levels of methylmercury are of concern.” otherwise associated with toxic effects. 15
13
Although most wild-caught fish are good Tuna protects itself by taking in an atom

42 Wise Traditions SPRING 2018