If you find yourself eating a lot of fish and seafood including tuna, there’s one thing you need to bear in mind. While there are lots of healthy nutrients in this food, too much fish can have unwanted side effects.
Mullaney’s Fish says that consuming excess amounts of certain types of seafood can lead to health problems due to high levels of mercury or other contaminants. It’s important to maintain a balanced diet and to ensure you are eating the right amount of each food group. If you eat a lot of seafood, Mullaney’s Fish have shared exactly how much is too much.
It advises one important element of eating any food, but especially fish, is to check your portion size. It says: “Firstly, it’s essential to understand what a healthy portion size looks like.
“A general rule of thumb is to aim for three ounces per serving (about the size of a deck of cards). However, limit your total intake to no more than six ounces per day.”
But this isn’t the only thing to bear in mind. Some types of fish have higher mercury levels than others which can build up over time in our bodies and lead to health complications such as mercury poisoning.
You should restrict yourself from eating tuna sushi rolls or swordfish steaks every week. Instead opt for low-mercury options like shrimp or salmon which are safe even if eaten multiple times weekly.
If you’re worried you’re eating too much fish, the recommended daily intake varies according to age groups however it’s better to stick with one serving per day.
This is because high volume consumption amounts have been proven hazardous overtime leading into slow-poisoning ending up creating adverse health complications.
Mullaney’s Fish adds: “Fish absorb mercury from their environment, which means they can end up with high levels of this toxic substance in their flesh. When we eat contaminated fish regularly, it can lead to mercury poisoning over time.
“Mercury poisoning is bad news for our nervous system. Symptoms include tremors, memory loss, nervousness, irritability, depression and even blindness if exposure has been prolonged enough.
“Symptoms don’t usually show themselves until many months or even years after being initially exposed (the long-term effects).
“The best way to avoid such situation is often advised by experts as limiting your consumption at most twice a week especially when considering certain types of sea food like Tuna.”
If you enjoy adding fish to your diet, keeping these considerations in mind when making your meals will ensure you can enjoy it without facing any health complications.