Is it safe to eat fish?

In this brief guide, we will discuss the question, “is it safe to eat fish?”. As well, we will discuss what are the nutrients of fish, what are the health benefits of fish, why should certain people be careful when eating fish, and other concerns about fish. 

Is it safe to eat fish?

Yes, it is safe to eat fish, however, there is a specific group of people that should be more careful when choosing the species of fish that they will eat and the amount of intake. The specific group range from pregnant, breastfeeding, and children from 1 to 11 years old. 

What are the nutrients of fish?

The fish contains a low-fat value source of high-quality protein. Serve as the font of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins (D and B2-riboflavin), and minerals, mainly calcium and phosphorus, but also contain iron, iodine, zinc, potassium, and magnesium. 

What are the health benefits of fish?

The omega-3 fatty acids can be found just in fish, this nutrient is not produced by our organism. Below are some other health benefits of this nutrient. 

  • Nutrients of fish can assist in lowering blood pressure and decreasing the chance of stroke or heart attack, but also helps to maintain the brain healthy;
  • Can lower the chance of ADHD, depression, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes;
  • Can avoid inflammation and lower the chance of arthritis; 
  • Help the infant grow vision and nerves as the fetus is developing inside the mother.  

Why should certain people be careful when eating fish?

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), pregnant, breastfeeding, and children from 1 to 11 years old need to be more careful when choosing the species of fish, which have to be lower in mercury substance. 

What fish have a lower mercury substance?

There are many species of fish that contain low mercury substances in their flesh. According to the FDA, below is a list of some species of fish that contain low mercury substances.

  • Anchovy;
  • Tilapia;
  • Whitefish;
  • Trout of freshwater;
  • Butterfish;
  • Cod;
  • Salmon;
  • Skate;
  • Mullet;
  • And many other species. 

Are there some species of fish that the specific group needs to avoid? 

Yes, there are some species of fish that may contain a lot of mercury substances in their flesh. According to the FDA, it is recommended to avoid some species of fish, such as marlin, king mackerel, tilefish, tuna, shark, orange roughy, and swordfish.

What is the recommended amount of fish intake for the specific group?

According to the FDA, certain people need a guide with the amount of fish and how many times a week it can be eaten. Below is a list of the specifications. You also can click here, to know more about it.   

  • Pregnant and breastfeeding can consume 4 ounces of fish and eat it a maximum of 3 times a week;
  • Children from 1 to 3 years old can eat 1 ounce and eat it 2 times a week;
  • Children from 4 to 7 years old can eat 2 ounces and eat it 2 times a week;
  • Children from 8 to 10 years old can eat 3 ounces and eat it 2 times a week;
  • Children from 8 to 10 years old can eat 3 ounces and eat it 2 times a week.

According to Harvard, it is recommended to eat fish two times a week, but in particular, if you are healthy it’s okay to eat fish every day. 

What do I need to know when buying fish?

To reduce the chance of foodborne illness or popularly known as “food poisoning”, the FDA suggested following the list of tips below. 

  • Just choose fish that is refrigerated or exhibited on a wide bed of fresh ice;
  • The fish can never smell ammonia or sour;
  • The smell coming from the fish needs to be mild and fresh;
  • The fish need to have red gills;
  • The entire flesh of the fish needs to be firm, and when pressed should spring back;
  • If you choose fish filets, they need to exhibit no discoloration, blackness, or dry edges.  

What do I need to know if I will buy frozen fish?

When you are going to buy frozen fish, you need to pay attention if the package is not damaged or kneaded. Take care of signs of crystals or frost ice, which indicates the fish were defrosted and refrozen.

How can I defrost frozen fish?

To defrost frozen fish properly, you just need to keep them in the refrigerator, then they will defrost at a safe temperature. It is not recommended to defrost frozen fish at room temperature. 

How can I store fish? 

If the fish will be consumed within 2 days after being bought, you can keep it in a clean refrigerator (40°F or below). If you know that you are not using the fish, it’s better to freeze it as soon as possible. To know more safety tips about it, click here.  

What recipes can I cook with fish?

As the fish are abundant all over the world you will find many types of recipes for cooking fish, but a well-made fish will match with different side dishes. If you click here, you will find 41 easy recipes for fish completed in 30 minutes or less. 

Other FAQs about Fish that you may be interested in.

Can you boil codfish

Is it safe to eat fish from the Pacific Ocean after the nuclear disaster of Fukushima?

Is it safe for pregnant to eat fish sticks?

Conclusion

In this brief guide, we have discussed the question, “is it safe to eat fish?”. As well, we have discussed what are the nutrients of fish, what are the health benefits of fish, why should certain people be careful when eating fish, and other concerns about fish. 

References

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/is-it-okay-to-eat-fish-every-day/ Accessed: 05/011/2022 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fish Accessed: 05/011/2022 

https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/selecting-and-serving-fresh-and-frozen-seafood-safely Accessed: 05/011/2022 

https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/11-best-fish-to-ea Accessed: 05/011/2022 

https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/advice-about-eating-fish Accessed: 05/011/2022 

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