Tuna ...friend or foe?

[Guest guest]

While we've known for awhile that the jury was out regarding the safety of

feasting on tuna, this article states that it all depends on where the tuna was

harvested. So, as long as it wasn't raised on the wrong side of the tracks, or

ocean, it's okay to consume in moderation. Women who are either pregnant or

planning on becoming pregnant, however, should strongly consider reducing their

consumption of canned tuna to one can every 2-4 weeks. Cat lovers, this tuna

issue concerns you, too. Mercury in Tuna Fish By Dr. Ben Kim

DrBenKim.com

Do you eat tuna fish on a regular basis? If so, you should know about a

recently published report on dangerous levels of mercury found in canned tuna

fish.

The report was published by an environmental group called " Defenders of

Wildlife, " which contracted New Age/Landmark Laboratory in Benton Harbor,

Michigan to test 164 cans of tuna fish that were produced in Ecuador, Mexico,

Costa Rica, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines, and the United States.

Here are the key points that I took from their report:

 

Cans of tuna fish that were tested to have the highest level of mercury

originated from waters around Mexico and Ecuador. Coincidentally, the fishing

industry in these areas is known for deliberately casting nets in areas where

dolphins are spotted, since large tuna fish are usually found swimming below

dolphins.

 

 

The average mercury content of canned tuna fish that was produced in the

United States was generally less than that of imported canned tuna fish.

 

 

Canned tuna fish that was produced in Asia had the lowest average levels of

mercury.

 

 

Canned tuna fish that was produced in Latin America had the highest average

levels of mercury. Some of these cans had levels that exceeded the United States

government's limit of 1.0 parts per million.

 

 

Even canned light tuna was tested as having high levels of mercury. Light

tuna is considered by the FDA to be low in mercury compared to other large fish.

 

 

The two lines of canned tuna that were found to have mercury levels that are

higher than the U.S. federal limit are: Sardinar from Costa Rica, which tested

at 1.3 parts per million, and Calmex from Mexico, which came in at 1.4 parts per

million. Note from Chet: Here at Health & Beyond Online, we wouldn't

think of eating any tuna other than the healthy tuna we order from Randy

Hartnell at Vital Choice Seafood. Click here to order the best tuna I've ever

tasted.

 

 

Solid pack tuna sold under a brand called " Tuna Real " was found to have

levels of mercury as high as 1.5 parts per million.

What does all of this mean for the end consumer? I believe that it is prudent

for pregnant women, women who are planning on becoming pregnant, and children to

avoid eating more than one can of tuna fish every 2-4 weeks.

Instead of eating tuna, I believe that it is healthier to eat smaller fish

such as wild salmon, lake trout, and anchovies. Smaller fish are not as high up

on the food chain as larger fish like tuna and shark, and are therefore less

likely to bio-accumulate significant amounts of mercury.

What's the problem with steady exposure to mercury through our food choices?

Over time, a build up of mercury in our tissues can cause a number of health

problems, the most common of which are nervous system damage, cardiovascular

challenges, and injury to the kidneys. Most susceptible to these effects are

infants and young children.

 

 

 

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