8: Mercury, Seafood and Your Heart

Cardio Buzz

Seafood is a classic heart-healthy food. It is part of the Mediterranean diet that can lower blood pressure. Fish consumption was shown in several studies to lower the risk of death in patients with coronary artery disease. Seafoods are traditionally low in saturated fats, rich in iron, iodine and in omega-3 fatty acids. But also seafoods contain Methyl mercury which is produced by microorganisms in water and soil, and accumulates in fish. Recently, many people choose to limit their seafood consumption because of fear of mercury exposure from seafood. Excessive mercury may adversely affect the nervous system in infants and pregnant ladies and lactating mothers should avoid exposure to mercury because of its effects on the fetus. So what should we do? Consume fish and seafood to get the benefits on the CV system or reduce or intake to avoid exposure to mercury?https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/advice-about-eating-fish