Is eating fish safe?

El_Dangeroso

According to this article:

http://thehealthyskeptic.org/is-eating-fish-safe-a-lot-safer-than-not-eating-fish

A lot safer than not eating fish..

Overview

- Selenium protects against mercury toxicity, and 16 of the 25 highest dietary sources of selenium are ocean fish

- If a fish contains higher levels of selenium than mercury, it is safe to eat

- Most species of commonly eaten fish in the U.S. have more selenium than mercury

- Fish are not significant sources of PCBs and dioxins when compared to meat, dairy or vegetables

-The benefits of eating fish regularly far outweigh the potential risks, which are neglible

-Pregnant mothers and young children should eat 2-3 servings of oily ocean fish each week

I knew selenium was a good anti-oxidant but I didn't know it can actually help detoxify mercury from our system, so that's a new one on me. Iodine present in fish does the same thing too.

I manage about 3 servings of oily fish a week mostly in the form of canned sardines, I really should eat more fresh fish, no excuse really, I have a fishmonger across the road from me. 'spensive though.

Iristxo

We go to Howth once a month, stock up and freeze. Much cheaper than the local fishmongers.

Darkginger

I can see trout, tuna etc. as being expensive, but what about mackerel and herring? Looking forward to the forthcoming mackerel glut around here

El_Dangeroso

Darkginger wrote: »

I can see trout, tuna etc. as being expensive, but what about mackerel and herring? Looking forward to the forthcoming mackerel glut around here

Good idea, I also like pollack, but they don't have it in my local place, looks like I'll have to make a trip to the harbour like Iris suggested.

Zamboni

Good read. Thanks Temple.
Since the start of the year I've been trying to introduce fish back into my diet as it had been missing for years.
I started off with Donegal Catch Cod in batter/breadcrumbs just to ease myself back into it. Then dumped that sharpish as I avoid processed carb.
Moved onto haddock, mackerel, kippers and salmon without too much difficulty (mackerel where have you been all my life!).
I'm quite ignorant about fish and I am trying to educate myself in the area.

Iristxo,
What kind of fish are available out in Howth?
What do you even ask for?! 'Here mister give me 5 of them things' is probably what I'd say at the mo'
How long can fish be frozen without deteriorating?

Any info much appreciated.

Iristxo

Zamboni,

We go to Howth once a month, we spend about 100 quid a month. I presume you can have fish for a few months and it would not deteriorate but we have never had it that long that I can remember. You can get all types of fish and lots of shellfish. You can see it there on the spot and usually the name is written on it. They have all of the "normal" types, mackerel, haddock, tuna, sea bass, pretty much all types and also things like squid, prawns, smoked salmon, loads of stuff and very fresh and very good quality. The most famous is Wrights of Howth but we go to Doran's on the Peer (just continue on from Wrights and it's just there, same road just a little further on) because we find it cheaper. They used to give a discount for buying a lot but not any more

Good luck with it if you try it, it's really worth it

Darkginger

Zamboni - talk to your fish seller! When Clarke's opened up in Westport, I didn't recognise half of what they were selling, so I asked them about it. I'm happy to try anything once - have made some great discoveries like John Dory and Sea Bream. They're only too happy to share their knowledge with me, and I pay them back by buying loads of fish from them.

One of my favourite fish is whiting - it's really cheap but tastes fantastic when it's really fresh - as does plaice. Plaice tastes of nothing when it's a day or so old, but fresh is wonderful!