Experts say the health benefits of eating fish outweigh the potential risks
Eating fish is good for you—it’s loaded with protein, iron, omega-3 fatty acids (the “good fat” that reduces harmful cholesterol, lowers blood pressure, and prevents blood clots), and selenium (a mineral that prevents cellular damage). But since it’s also often served with a dose of harmful mercury, you can definitely have too much of a good thing.
That’s exactly why actor and star of HBO’s Entourage Jeremy Piven left his current role in the Broadway revival of “Speed-the-Plow” earlier this month. Piven was diagnosed with mercury poisoning, likely from eating too much fish.
How much is too much? It’s hard to say, according to Sean Gray, senior analyst at the Environmental Working Group (EWG). “The appropriate amount depends on the kind of fish you’re eating and on your weight,” Gray says.
The higher the fish is on the food chain, the higher its mercury content. So you’re much better off swapping fancy fish entrees like shark, swordfish, tilefish, and tuna for wild salmon, summer flounder, shrimp, or any white fish.
Don’t deny yourself fish altogether. “In every analysis I’ve ever seen, the benefits of fish so outweigh the potential downside that it’s almost malpractice to advise someone to avoid fish in order to avoid mercury,” says Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S.
Check out what else Dr. Bowden says about the pros and cons of your next fish dish.
And now that you know which fish is best for your health, pick the catch that’s also the best for the environment. The earth (and your body) will thank you.
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