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Monday, October 31, 2011

The Michigan’s fish and other sport fish contain more mercury, report says.

According to a report the Walleye and other sport fish contain more mercury that one could imagine. These fishes are found in the Great Lakes region and in certain parts of Michigan.  However, their presence could be dangerous for consumers of these species.
Scientist studied the toxin in these sport fish as it could have harmful effects on pregnant women and children’s brain development. One of the officers in charge of the study said that Michigan has been under a mercury fish advisory for years and they are still not sure that the coming report will give an exact feedback about the level of mercury. It’s an alarming situation for fish consumers as they will have to abstain themselves.  There is still an inheritance of toxin which persists even if an evaluation has shown a 20 % decline in emission, said the Tuesday report.
The mercury in fish is still a great threat for the inhabitants of this region and its surroundings. Scientists said that despite the fall in emission, the mercury continues to be present in some species and this is a major issue for humans and the wildlife. The study clearly showed that the concentrations of mercury in some fishes are very high. Over the past four decades, especially in lakes and rivers the toxin level is quite high. After 3years of study, in a report was released by the Great Lakes Commission, it was said that the fish was uneatable due to the high level of toxin. It includes the northern pike, walleyes, lake trout and the large-mouth bass. The analysis also shows that the level of contamination depends on the place the species were caught.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Seafood products

Seafood consumption is good for health.  It is a good source of vitamin, protein, mineral, and it is also low in sodium, calories and saturated fat.  A large variety of fish contain polyunsaturated fat also known as Omega-3 fatty acids.  It is very beneficial to heart disease patients as it lowers blood pressure and triglycerides.  New research shows that fat in fish also reduces pain and inflammation linked to arthritis, colitis and asthma.  The consumption of fish helps to cure depression and bipolar illness.
Despite the fact that most fish are safe to eat, consumption of some of them should be avoided due to high level of mercury.  Hence, the US Food and Drug Administration and the US Environmental Protection Agency have set up the following plan: 
Consume of fish every 2 weeks and try to eat shell fish as its low in mercury especially for toddlers, pregnant women and nursing mothers.
Do not eat shark, king mackerel, tilefish and swordfish as their level of mercury is high.
Eat low mercury fish such as albacore tuna, salmon, Pollock, catfish and canned light tuna.
Always remain well inform on the quality of fish you consume and do not exceed fish consumption.


Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Imported seafood to America tainted with drugs.

The U.S. has been the biggest importer of seafood in the last decade with an amount of more than 17.6 million tons. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) says that only 2% of imported seafood is inspected and only 0.1 % is tested for prohibited drugs residue. Thus, the dirty infected marine products are finding a way to enter the American market. This is not safe for the population’s health as stated by the government, officials and other food safety experts.
Mr. Siobhan Delancey (FDA spokeswoman) said the firm is trying its best to ensure the safety of imported seafood. A modern method of proceeding which is known as “preventative controls” is being used and it includes the reviewing of company’s safety plans.  Documentations clearly show how food operators deal with safety procedures.  The experts state that the volume of imports is considerable that it is not wise to rely only on the surveillance at the border. The microbiologist Michael Doyle said that analysis would improve if the FDA would have the manpower to inspect all the shipments.
For the past decade, tuna, salmon and shrimp are the 3 most imported seafood in the U.S.  The major part of which are farm- raised in Indonesia, Vietnam, china and Thailand. The quality of food used to feed the shrimps and tilapia in china and Thailand are human waste and untreated animal compost.
The question which is raised is how safe the nation’s food is and the answer is complicated, said a 27 year old journalist who spent 10 weeks this summer, gathering and interviewing experts from almost everywhere across the country.
 It was found that each year in the U.S. 48 million of people suffer from food borne illnesses, 128, 000 required hospitalization and 3000 died. The U.S. Food and Drugs Administration anticipate that 24 million products will enter the country in 2011 and only 1.59% of them will be inspected.



Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Healthy benefits and 5 most nutritious seafood that must be eaten


We always tend to think that the only healthy nutritious foods are fruit and vegetables when we hear “healthy eating habits”.   But there is lots of interesting food categories which are good for health and need to be included in everyday meal.
Seafood is one among these categories and although many people consider it as an ‘exotic food’ for special occasion, it might be a very good ingredient if introduced in your daily meal.  Besides, it’s a fact that seafood is delicious and a very good source of minerals (phosphorus, iron, zinc and potassium), proteins and vitamins.  Many seafood products are low in fat, cholesterol (saturated fat), sodium and vitamins (A, B6 and B12). Seafood benefits are amazing for our health. Some of its categories are better than vegetables and fruits.
Here are 10 extraordinary benefits seafood can have when consumed

Low blood pressure
Help in the good functioning of the eyes, brain and nerves development for kids
Acts as a protection against bronchitis
Protects against Emphysema
Reduce risk of depression
Help in the good functioning of heart and reduce the risk of heart disease
Boost immune system
Prevent Cancer
Lose weight
Prevent Arthritis and osteoporosis

Some most nutritious seafood is:

Salmon
Shellfish
Crab
Sardines
Hake
Pink Shrimps