Source: WPCouncil.org
If you're a fish lover but worried about mercury toxicity, there's good news—many commonly consumed fish are rich in selenium, which can help prevent the absorption of excess mercury. There's a catch, though. This doesn't mean you can eat as much high-mercury fish as you want. Still, if you choose to occasionally eat fish with higher mercury levels, consuming adequate selenium can help reduce potential negative effects.
The bottom line is this: if you eat fish high in selenium and low or moderately high in mercury, your overall risk is lower. On the other hand, if you eat fish high in mercury but low in selenium (e.g., shark), it's best to avoid them or eat them very rarely.
Fish to eat more of.
This doesn't mean you have to give up fish entirely, but it does emphasize the importance of reading labels and knowing where your fish comes from. Wild-caught Alaskan salmon, Pacific sardines, and Atlantic mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, as well as many other nutrients, and have a lower environmental impact. Other good choices include albacore tuna caught in the US or Canada, Alaskan cod, Arctic trout, and rainbow trout. The EDF Seafood Selector offers a comprehensive list of the best seafood and fish, including information on where it should be sourced and how it should be processed.
