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Dr. Kim Mulvihill ReportingSome bad news today for fish lovers -- it may be possible to get too much of a good thing. Eating fish is great as part of a balanced healthy diet, but you’ll want to eat a variety of fish of all different shapes and sizes.
Eating foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, like fish, is supposed to be good for the heart. Well now new research reveals too much fish, fish high in mercury, may undo any good that was done.
Finnish researchers followed the health of nearly 2700 middle-aged men. They found those who ate the most fish, tested the highest for mercury. These men had a significantly higher risk of heart attacks and cardiovascular disease.
To date federal health officials currently advise only pregnant and nursing women and children to avoid fish high in mercury. However, in light of this study and others, some experts would like to see that changed.
Fish high in Mercury include sword fish, shark, king mackerel, tile fish and albacore tuna. Better choice include sole, wild Alaskan salmon, some sardines and California red snapper. However, some fatty fish may also contain PCB's, another environmental toxin.
You don't have to have a whole steak of fatty fish either. Two to three ounces is actually a lot. So, choose smaller portions and look for advisories on PCB's and mercury for lakes and streams and FDA advisories for restaurants and grocery stores.
