Seafood: Health Impacts
For years people have worried about the possible side effects from contaminants that fish pick up from their ecosystems. The health impacts of mercury, for one, are well documented. However, a 2006 Harvard study shows that the potential benefits of consuming fish far outweigh the risks. The results showed that eating a modest amount of fish per week reduces the risk of death from coronary heart disease by 36 percent. Total mortality--death from all possible causes--is reduced by 17 percent.
As with many other food items, pregnant women and young children should remain cautious about eating fish that may be contaminated by mercury. (On the other hand, the Omega-3 fatty acids in fish have been shown to improve early brain development.) As a rule, the higher up the food chain a fish is the higher level of contaminants. The EPA and FDA recommends that pregnant mothers and young kids eat up to two servings or 12 ounces per week while avoiding four of the highest fish on the food chain: olden bass (also known as tilefish), king mackerel, shark, and swordfish. As discussed in the environmental impacts section, the fish considered less upscale are actually the best. The humble sardine and anchovy are small, oily fish and thus have the Omega-3 acids but without the mercury.
For More Information
- Download the EPA guide on everything you need to know on mercury in fish and their recommendations for mothers-to-be and small children.
- For you avid fisherfolk, the National Listing of Fish Advisories (NLFA) site contains links to any national fish advisories against eating any of your locally caught fish. This government database allows you to search and map advisories by state, waterbody name, species or contaminant.
- Fish Intake, Contaminants, and Human Health is the full text of the Harvard study on the benefits of fish consumption.
- The Marine Stewardship Council, an independent, global, non-profit organization, is the largest certifier of environmentally sustainable seafood. Just look for their label on products at your local store, or to find the list of MSC-listed companies and their websites along with the specific products that meet MSC standards.