Global Health Asia-Pacific July 2020 July 2020 | Page 20
Holistic Health
Does the bad outweigh
the good for fish-eaters?
Though packed with nutrients, fish can also contain high concentrations of mercury
Containing essential omega-3 fatty acids,
vitamins, and minerals, fish is universally seen
as a central feature of a balanced diet.
�ecause humans cannot produce omega-3s
themselves, we can find what we need from fish to
protect the heart and brain. Eicosapentaenoic and
docosahexaenoic acids � more commonly known as
E�A and DHA fatty acids � are found in every kind of
fish but are especially high in fatty fish.
The American Heart Association recommends
eating fish at least two times per week to lower blood
pressure and help reduce the risk of heart attack or
stroke.
�almon, trout, sardines, herring, mackerel, tuna,
and oysters are among the biggest sources of E�A
and DHA. These compounds also benefit the brain
by aiding healthy neurological function and the
development of vision and nerves in infants during
pregnancy.
They may also decrease the risk of depression,
ADHD, Alzheimer’s, dementia, and diabetes, as well as
prevent inflammation and reduce the risk of arthritis.
�ut with the good comes the bad since fish also
expose humans to heavy metals, including mercury.
Once in the environment, mercury can be
transformed by bacteria into methylmercury. This then
18 JULY 2020 GlobalHealthAndTravel.com