Page 68 - Muscle & Fitness (December 2019)

E A T E X P E R T A D V I C E

NAVIGATING THE WATERS

We break down the market’s safest seafood options.

ish, shellfish, and
other aquatic
creatures should
have a place in your

F fridge. Not only do
federal health guide-
lines recommend that
adults eat a half-pound
of seafood per week, but
it’s also packed with
protein, healthy fats,
and plenty of vitamins
and minerals.
Some people often
have concerns about
seafood, though, and
rightfully so. Certain
brands and species have
high mercury levels,
which in high doses
can lead to numbness,
memory problems, and
depression, to name
a few ailments. Not to
mention that pesticides,
diseases, and an abun-
dance of plastic in our
oceans have polluted

millions of fish through-
out the world, making SHRIMP SARDINES
certain ones unsafe for 1 Q In a 3.5-ounce serving 2 Q Sardines are cheap
human consumption. of shrimp, you get 24 grams of and have 23 grams of protein
Luckily, Seafood Watch protein, only 99 calories, and per 3.75-ounce can. They
(seafoodwatch.org) minimal mercury. also have one of the lowest
keeps track of the health- BEST CHOICES: Opt for giant mercury levels among all
iest varieties of seafood freshwater prawns farmed in seafood, with most brands not
available to consumers. indoor recirculating tanks, having any detectable levels.
The group’s guidelines which are free of disease and BEST CHOICES: Seafood
for seafood safety are chemicals. Other best options Watch recommends Atlantic
largely recognized as the include giant tiger prawns and herring sardines caught in
industry standard. Northern Canadian shrimp. the northwest Atlantic Ocean
Here, we break down WORST CHOICES: Argentine red, near the U.S.
some of its recommen- blue shrimp, and giant tiger WORST CHOICES: Avoid Brazil-
dations for the best prawns caught in ponds. ian-, Pacific-, and European-
seafood options on the These habitats are prone to caught sardines. Not for
market, as well as the overfishing, and they some- health reasons, but because S H U T T E R S T O C K
best and worst sources times have chemicals you there’s a lack of sardines in

for them. want to steer clear of. these areas already.

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