Beware of These 9 Foods That Contain the Most Mercury

As time progresses, many people are becoming more health conscious and worried about what they eat. While a huge part of maintaining a healthy diet is finding a balance between the food groups, another huge part is avoiding foods that may be harmful. The World Health Organization has identified mercury as one of the most dangerous chemicals as it has the ability to impact the function of several different organs adversely when consumed. While many people know that fish is a primary source of mercury, others may be surprised to learn that this isn’t the only source of this element. Let’s explore nine foods that may impact your overall well-being if consumed too frequently due to their high levels of mercury.

1. Tuna

When you think of mercury consumption, chances are that your mind immediately drifts to tuna in particular. This is for a good reason, as many different kinds of tuna such as albacore, bluefin, and ahi all contain significant amounts of this element. According to the Environmental Working Group , “Mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants and other industrial sources are carried by air and deposited on oceans and waterways. Bacteria convert it to methylmercury, the form that accumulates in fish and is most harmful to human health.”

2. Wine

Unfortunately, having a nice glass of wine won’t do you much good if you’re trying to wash away your mercury troubles. In fact, among people who did not consume fish, people who frequently consume wine had higher than average levels of mercury present in their bloodstream compared to individuals who avoided it altogether.

3. Nuts

Many people include nuts in their daily diet to incorporate some extra protein and healthy fats. However, this is yet another food that contains some level of mercury. Some nuts that mercury has been found present in are pine nuts, walnuts, and pecans.

4. Swordfish

Similar to tuna, swordfish is another mercury-heavy fish that people consume somewhat frequently. Although swordfish is rich in protein and packed with Omega-3, niacin, and Vitamin B12, it should be eaten in moderation. Even if it’s cooked thoroughly, methylmercury will still be present within this fish, and humans will still ingest it.

5. Liquor

Similar to wine, liquor also contains some amount of mercury that can be harmful if consumed too frequently. According to the National Institute of Health , “Fish/seafood consumption is the strongest dietary predictor of mercury biomarker concentrations; however, consumption of wine, rice, vegetables/vegetable oil, or liquor may also contribute, especially among non-seafood consumers.”

6. Soy

Many people believe that consuming soy provides people with several different health benefits such as decreased risk of cardiovascular complications and improved digestion and bone health. However, consuming soy and other beans might have some downfalls as well. According to a journal published by Wells et al., beans and soy were found to contain significant levels of mercury. The researchers concluded that “Although fish and seafood are unquestionably the source of the largest quantity of dietary mercury exposure, contributions from other sources should still be considered, especially among non-seafood consuming populations.”

7. Rice

Similar to wine and liquor, the mercury present in rice was also due to the conditions in the soil on the farmland on which it was grown. Intermittent consumption of rice should not be a cause for concern when it comes to mercury exposure. However, consuming other grains is preferable to reduce risk.

8. King Mackerel

King mackerel is a large fish that typically enjoys a long lifespan. During this time, however, these fish tend to absorb quite a bit of methylmercury present in their food and environment. While it might be delicious, individuals should limit their consumption of king mackerel to decrease the risk of mercury exposure.

9. Shark

While this food might not be on the menu for everyone, some populations across the world do consume sharks . However, individuals who partake in the consumption of this animal should be wary about how much mercury it contains. In fact, when compared to other fish, sharks have some of the highest levels of mercury of all. Because of this, shark meat should only be consumed in moderation if at all.

Up Next:

• The 11 Most Dangerous Elements on Earth
• The 10 Most Dangerous Foods in the World
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