Some fish are a good food source, while a few may be unhealthy. And can become a toxic nightmare for your body. This actually depends on which fish you choose. That is why it’s so important to pay attention to the fish you should never eat. Here are some of the unhealthy fish you should never eat.
1. Shark
Sharks should never consume because of several reasons. These fish are very high on the food chain. Sharks are slow to mature. That translates to higher mercury levels you should avoid in both foods and supplements. Mercury is a neurotoxin that can harm the neurological system and disturb normal brain function.
2. Tilapia
Do you know in some areas eating tilapia is as bad as eating bacon? As tilapia is also not a great option to consume, it contains very low levels of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. On the other hand, tilapia has very high levels of inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids which can cause problems. Retaining high levels of inflammation in the body can get symptoms of autoimmune disorders. This might be linked to chronic conditions like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease
.
3. Atlantic Cod
Cod is considered a healthful type of fish with many benefits. As the fish is high in protein and low in fat. Cod is rich in vitamins and minerals that are essential to bodily functioning. Generally consuming cod in moderate amounts is safe. It should not be consumed more as cod like most types of fish, contains mercury. Excessive mercury consumption can be toxic to the body. It may cause neurological and behavioral disorders.
4. Swordfish
Swordfish are among those fish that should not be consumed. Mercury is the main concern when it comes to avoiding swordfish. It has been recommended women and children avoid it altogether. This large, predatory fish contains elevated levels.
5. Eel
Eel takes time to mature and it has been overfished in many parts of the world. This fish made its way onto the list because it tends to readily absorb and store harmful chemicals and contaminants like PCBs and mercury. Eels are also suffering from some pollution and overharvesting. It has been recommended that even adults should eat no more than one eel a year.
6. Atlantic Flatfish
The group of this fish includes flounder, sole, and halibut which are caught off the Atlantic coast. This fish comes on this list of not to be consumed fish because of heavy contamination and overfishing that dates back to the 1800s. Eating Atlantic flatfish in huge amounts may cause cancerous tumors and liver disease.
7. Orange Roughy
Orange Roughy is also known as slimehead. It is one of the longest-living marine fish species and can live up to 150 years old. It has been suggested they are exposed to harmful substances like mercury for a longer duration. Which can be dangerous if consumed in large amounts.
8. Farmed Salmon
The Atlantic salmon is farmed, and these fish are kept in environments often ridden with pesticides, feces, bacteria, and parasites. Which makes it unhealthy. As per studies farmed salmon is more likely to produce dangerous toxins such as PCBs. This may cause obesity, insulin resistance, stroke, and cancer. Farmed salmon even tend to be higher in inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids.
9. Imported Farmed Shrimp
Imported shrimp actually are considered bad fish. It has been found that Imported farmed shrimp comes with a whole group of contaminants like harmful chemicals and pesticides. And the imported shrimp is also detected with E. coli. If you want to eat shrimp then you can go with local shrimp which is way too good than imported one.
10. King Mackerel
Mackerel is certainly packed with omega-3 fatty acids. But when it comes to certain types of mackerel, you could get more than you expect. It is been found that women and children to outright avoid the fish. King mackerel collected in the Pacific Ocean, have high mercury levels.