15 Bargain Fish That Are Secretly Terrible for Your Health
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Fish has been known as a healthy source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and other important nutrients. But bargain-priced options can come at the price of your health. In the U.S., nearly 65 percent of seafood consumed is imported, and much comes from overseas farms or areas with lax safety standards.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) (.gov) indicates that seafood accounts for a major percentage of mercury and toxin-initiated illnesses, mainly in low-cost seafood. Here are 15 bargain fish that may jeopardize your health.
Tilapia
Tilapia is the most consumed fish in the world because it is cheap and has a mild flavor. Most tilapia in supermarkets is farmed, and many stocks are raised in crowded, unsanitary conditions.
This fish is naturally low in omega-3 fatty acids and high in omega-6 fatty acids, which, when taken in excess, will worsen inflammation.
Pangasius (Swai/Basa)
Pangasius is another budget-friendly fish imported, and it has serious risks. This species is farmed primarily in Vietnam’s Mekong River, in water polluted with industrial waste.
ResearchGate published a study that also revealed the residues of heavy metals, including arsenic and lead, from pangasius samples.
Atlantic Cod
Atlantic cod has been a popular white fish for several years, but Greenpeace says overfishing has decimated the wild populations.
Having been farmed in increasing numbers to meet demand, farmed cod often contains high levels of PCBs, which are associated with developmental and neurological problems.
Farmed Salmon
Farmed salmon is nearly 70 percent of the global salmon market and is tainted with serious health problems. Wild-caught varieties have higher omega-3 levels compared to the farmed ones that are normally fed on pellets.
Escolar (Oilfish)
Esclor may seem like a cheap deal knowing you’re eating white tuna, but the fact is that escolar comes with its own set of health risks.
It carries gempylotoxin, an indigestible wax ester that can cause severe digestive upsets for anyone who eats it – especially diarrhea and cramps.
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
Atlantic bluefin tuna is a luxury fish many see at bargain prices. Unfortunately, it is one of the highest mercury-containing fish (levels greater than 0.4 ppm, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (.gov)).
It should only be limited to perhaps two meals per month. This fish is so dangerous that pregnant women and children are strongly advised to avoid it at all costs!
King Mackerel
Another fish with dangerously high mercury levels is the king mackerel, averaging 0.73 ppm. Although inexpensive, consumption over time can result in mercury poisoning.
This causes symptoms such as memory loss, fatigue, and impaired motor skills. It needs to be avoided by vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women.
Imported Shrimp
Aside from being the cheapest seafood, imported shrimp pose some serious risks to your health. Many shrimp farms in Thailand and India use antibiotics banned in the U.S. — getting our shrimp from home means better regulation and a healthier product.
Orange Roughy
Orange roughy is a long-lived deep-sea fish that can live more than 200 years. According to WebMD, mercury levels in orange roughy average 0.571 ppm and have reached as high as 1.12 ppm.
That said, being so cheap at bargain prices makes them a poor nutritious choice since they have low omega-3 content and high mercury.
Chilean Sea Bass
Due to its high price and significant health risks, Chilean sea bass is a popular but problematic fish. In many parts of the world, it is overfished and often contaminated with mercury.
Swordfish
Though highly prized for its firm texture, swordfish is also one of the most mercury-contaminated fish, with mercury loads frequently exceeding 0.995 ppm and peaking up to 3.22 ppm.
However, the FDA warns that swordfish are a limited-consumption fish, especially for children and women of childbearing age.
Catfish
Some cuisines use catfish as a staple; the farmed kinds usually carry hidden health risks. Catfish are often given antibiotics such as oxytetracycline, raised in crowded ponds, and exposed to pollutants.
Imported catfish has also run afoul of inspectors, with tests showing traces of malachite green, a banned carcinogen, among other chemicals.
Grouper
Another fish often sold cheaply is grouper, one of the most frequently mislabeled species in the seafood industry. This mislabeling makes it hard to trace the source and quality.
Moreover, grouper tends to suck too many toxic levels of mercury.
Pacific Rockfish
Typically, Pacific rockfish is a white fish sold as a budget-friendly alternative to other white fish. Still, ‘snapper’ is regularly mislabeled, and its origins are questioned.
Mislabeled fish often come from poorly regulated fisheries, making it harder to protect safety and quality.
Imported Eel
Imported eel is a common item in sushi dishes and bargain seafood markets. Unfortunately, even eel farms use banned antibiotics and chemicals in farming eels to boost production.
Eels store PCBs and dioxins, which are recognized to cause cancer and damage to immune systems, so they’re a species best avoided.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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