Which tuna has the lowest mercury

The tuna sandwich is a lunchbox staple. But several species of tuna — like other large ocean fish — contain higher-than-average amounts of mercury, a highly toxic metal that can cause severe health effects. This is of particular concern for young children, since their nervous system, brain, heart, kidneys and lungs are all susceptible to the harmful effects of mercury. Higher levels suggest toxic exposure.

However, there are two problems with this test. How much mercury is in tuna MCG? According to the FDA, it is safe to get, on average, up to 7 micrograms mcg of mercury a week for every 22 pounds you weigh. That averages out to about 50 mcg for a pound person our preference would be lower than that if possible. Four ounces of canned albacore white tuna has an average of 40 mcg of mercury. Is albacore or yellowfin better? White Tuna Albacore , also known as Bonito del Norte, is considered a superior tuna for its exquisite flavor, smooth texture and white tone.

Yellowfin Tuna has a reddish color and the texture is not as fine, yet it retains a pleasant flavor. What brand of tuna is safe to eat? Canned white and yellowfin tuna are higher in mercury, but still okay to eat. Bigeye tuna should be avoided completely, but that species isn't used for canned tuna anyway. Is Albacore Tuna better? Nutritionally, all types of canned tuna offer lean protein, omega-3 fats, selenium, and other important nutrients. While albacore tuna is slightly higher in fat and calories, the difference is minimal enough that it shouldn't deter you.

Americans now eat more shrimp than any other seafood item see Top 10 list , but tuna is the most popular fish we consume. One out of every six of our seafood meals is tuna, and most of it is canned tuna. Fresh and frozen tuna steaks and tuna sushi are also popular choices, although they make up much smaller fractions of the market.

Canned tuna, especially the canned light variety, is an inexpensive source of high-quality protein. Although sales have been declining as Americans have responded to a growing variety of seafood choices, canned tuna is still very popular. Unfortunately, as long-lived ocean predators, tuna accumulate methylmercury. Shrimp has the lowest methylmercury level among seafood items, with 0.

In contrast, canned light tuna contains 10 times as much mercury, 0. Certain populations are especially susceptible to mercury and should limit or completely abstain from tuna. These include infants, young children and women who are pregnant , breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant. However, the study noted that low-mercury fish was associated with better brain scores Health authorities currently advise that children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should limit intake of tuna and other high-mercury fish, instead aiming for 2—3 servings of low-mercury fish per week 4 , Infants, children and women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive should limit or avoid tuna.

However, they may benefit from eating low-mercury fish. Mercury exposure is linked to health issues including poor brain function, anxiety, depression, heart disease and impaired infant development. Therefore, it should be eaten in moderation — not every day.

You can eat skipjack and light canned tuna alongside other low-mercury fish a few times each week, but should limit or avoid albacore, yellowfin and bigeye tuna. Fish is one of the most nutritious foods you can eat, but some types of fish contain high levels of mercury.

Does it mean you need to avoid all fish? Fish are undeniably a healthy food, but they can have high levels of contaminants, too. Save this list of some of the safest fish with the best…. When it comes to nutrition, more is not always better. Here are 8 foods that are incredibly healthy, but can cause severe harm if eaten in excess.

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