Why does salmon have mercury?
Chef's answer
Nearby anthropogenic sources, such as coal burning and mining of iron, can contaminate water sources with methylmercury, which is efficiently absorbed in the bodies of fish. Through the process of biomagnification, mercury levels in each successive predatory stage increase..
Frequently asked Questions 🎓
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Fish that contain higher levels of mercury include:
- Shark.
- Ray.
- Swordfish.
- Barramundi.
- Gemfish.
- Orange roughy.
- Ling.
- Southern bluefin tuna.
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Low in Mercury. Because tilapia is a farm-raised fish -- usually in closed-tank systems -- they have less contact with pollution than other fish. This means they have the least mercury possible. Tilapia is so safe, it gets the official thumbs up for children and women who are breastfeeding or pregnant.
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Most of the popular species of fish and shellfish consumed in the U.S. have been shown to have low mercury levels. Seafood choices that are very low in mercury include: salmon, sardines, pollock, flounders, cod, tilapia, shrimp, oysters, clams, scallops and crab..
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Farmed salmon has omega-3s, but wild-caught salmon is a richer source of these heart-healthy and brain-healthy fatty acids. Salmon has an average mercury load of 0.014 ppm and can reach measurements up to 0.086 ppm.
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King mackerel, marlin, orange roughy, shark, swordfish, tilefish, ahi tuna, and bigeye tuna all contain high levels of mercury. Women who are pregnant or nursing or who plan to become pregnant within a year should avoid eating these fish.
✔
Most of the popular species of fish and shellfish consumed in the U.S. have been shown to have low mercury levels. Seafood choices that are very low in mercury include: salmon, sardines, pollock, flounders, cod, tilapia, shrimp, oysters, clams, scallops and crab..
✔
Low in Mercury. Because tilapia is a farm-raised fish -- usually in closed-tank systems -- they have less contact with pollution than other fish. This means they have the least mercury possible.
A few more cooking questions 📍