What Health Risks are Posed by Eating Fish?

Much has been made of the health benefits found when eating fish.  However, is all fish really good food for you?  The answer here can be a bit ambiguous – "yes and no."  Fish does contain some significant health benefits.  However, there can certainly be some serious health concerns when it comes to eating fish.

First, as every bodybuilder knows, fish offers a great source of protein, is low in fat and contains high levels of omega 3 fatty acids.  Each of these is an essential consideration for a healthy diet. 

However, all fish are contaminated with mercury – every species on the planet, it seems.  Mercury can pose a serious health risk, particularly to babies and young children.  Nursing moms should also take care to avoid ingesting too much food with mercury in it.

Albacore tuna, swordfish, sharks, mackerel and tilefish all contain the highest levels of mercury within this food category.  However, even freshwater fish can contain mercury.  If you will be eating fish caught at a local lake, read the lake management’s warning signs to learn what threat level is posed by fish from that locale.

If you want to enjoy this food without too much worry about mercury, then you should consider eating shrimp, pollack or salmon.  Catfish and canned light tuna can also be good options.  However, pregnant or nursing mothers, as well as young children, should still avoid eating too much fish.  Most agencies recommend no more than a serving or two per week of fish in these cases.