Is it possible the Sushi you buy at the grocery store may be safer to eat than what you order at a high-end restaurant and is also two or three times less expensive? Yes it is, according to a study using DNA which suggests that some species of tuna, particularly those used by restaurants, have higher mercury levels. Live Science reports that all the tuna tested had fairly high mercury levels.  And the levels were on average, “greater than the concentrations considered safe to consume in one day by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and higher than the concentrations allowed in Japan.” (Live Science April 21, 2010)

The reason for this is because restaurants tend to favor certain species of tuna, such as bluefin, akami and bigeye tuna. Unfortunately, mercury tend to accumulate to a greater degree in muscle than in fat, rendering these highly prized, leaner species of tuna more susceptible to high contamination. Additionally, restaurants tend to buy larger fish, which in turn contain larger concentrations of mercury due to their size. It is important to note that the larger the fish the longer it has lived, and the more time it has had to bio-accumulate toxins like mercury from the ocean

I find it amazing to see so many people rushing to the Sushi bars across the country to consume Tuna when we all know that even pregnant women are warned about eating Sushi during pregnancy. However, do we think this warning simply goes away after delivery and the mercury levels no longer apply?  Of course we know better, but do we apply common sense as we are sitting at the restaurant ordering the special “Tuna” and does SPECIAL mean we pay less?  In addition, do we not at least sense these warnings are telling us something we ought to look into and research more on our own?

I would highly recommend you reconsider eating fish at all unless you can verify it is not contaminated. However, based on tests conducted during the past several years, it is clear that finding uncontaminated fish is getting harder and harder.  For example, a recent study from the U.S. Geological Survey detected MERCURY IN EVERY SINGLE FISH SAMPLE FROM STREAMS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES.

We all want to eat healthy - that is a given. So we eat more fish during the week instead of meat. However, we now know that eating fish it not necessarily a healthier choice.  We need to read labels and ask questions and then determine what we should be putting in our mouths.  Some nutritionists and doctors recommend adding an Omega-3 supplement to replace the healthy fats fish would otherwise provide.  I also suggest the consumption of organically grown fruits and vegetables. 

Sometimes you might find the choice is to stay in and prepare food for yourself you know is healthy for you and your family.  But at all times, be Committed to choosing healthier eating options, exercise using the SheaNetics DVDs found at www.sheanetics.com and always remember to laugh – it’s the best gift of health you can give yourself and others.

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