this presence of mercury in the sea due to pollution produced by human activities is a threat to the consumer. Species such as tuna, swordfish, mackerel or croaker are known to have a high content of this hazardous substance and its repeated intake is not recommended, especially for pregnant women or children. However, few other fish their very low mercury levels make them ideal for cooking.
Sardine, anchovy, sea bream, sea bream or squid are some of the species that meet this species. mercury limit values According to a study by the Institute for Environmental Diagnostics and Water Studies (IDAEA-CSIC), fish and shellfish containing less mercury for regular consumption are recommended by the EU.
The study, published in the journal ‘Environmental Pollution’, analyzed more. 1,300 specimens from 58 fish species and shellfish, usually caught in the Mediterranean and consumed in local markets Spain, Italy and France.
Of all these, examples 13 species always had mercury concentrations below recommended As safe by the European Union The results show that samples of 13 of the 58 species analyzed always have mercury levels below the limits recommended by the European Union: sardines, anchovies, blue haddock, caramel (or rage), sea bream, sea bream, stout, red mullet, serrano, croaker, salpa, dolphin and squid.
“Consuming these species minimizes our mercury intake. It is the price to be paid when eating fish. In addition, these fish have good amounts of unsaturated fatty acids that are more nutritionally beneficial,” underlined IDAEA-CSIC researcher Joan O. Grimalt.
Dangerous for children and pregnant women
The researcher recalled that mercury is a toxic element damages the kidneys, lungs, and cardiovascular and nervous systems, especially in pregnant women and children.
Because of its physico-chemical properties, mercury can be transported over long distances and accumulate in aquatic ecosystems. It is absorbed by fish and other organisms.
“Most of the mercury taken up by the human population comes exactly from the consumption of fish and shellfish“, according to researchers who analyzed fish sold in markets Menorca, Mallorca, Ibiza, Alicante, L’Ametlla de Mar, L’Ampolla, Genoa, Civitavecchia, Alghero and Marseille.
“According to these results, health authorities should pay special attention to the fish and shellfish species with the highest mercury content and make appropriate preventive health recommendations, especially for pregnant women and children,” Grimalt said.
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