Tips to consume seafood safely

Seafood can provide excellent nutrients, lean protein, omega-3 fats, vitamins and minerals. But some types of seafood carry heavy metals, contaminants, improper handling, or overconsumption. These are some of the healthy seafood habits ensure you get benefits without unnecessary risks, according to NIH. (Source: Photo by Unsplash)

Choose Low Mercury Fish: Prefer fish known for low mercury levels (e.g. salmon, sardines, trout, smaller fish) over big predator fish. High mercury seafood can accumulate toxins, which become harmful particularly if eaten frequently. Limiting high mercury fish helps protect long term health. (Source: Photo by Unsplash)

Watch Portion Size and Frequency: Moderate portion sizes and moderate frequency ( 2 to 3 times per week) help balance nutritional benefits against risk of overexposure to contaminants or heavy metals. Overeating even “safe” seafood may pose cumulative risks. (Source: Photo by Unsplash)

Be Cautious with Vulnerable Groups: Groups like pregnant women, nursing mothers, young children or immunocompromised people should follow extra caution: Choose low mercury seafood, avoid raw/undercooked fish, and follow local advisories on seafood safety to protect mother and child or sensitive health. (Source: Photo by Unsplash)

Follow Safe Handling, Storage and Cooking Practices: Make sure seafood is fresh, stored at proper temperature (refrigerated or frozen), and cooked thoroughly (to recommended internal temperature) to kill bacteria or parasites. Avoid cross contamination with raw fish and other foods. (Source: Photo by Unsplash)

Change the kind of Sea food You Eat: Rotate different kinds of seafood (white fish, oily fish, shellfish, small and large) rather than eating the same fish weekly. Variety reduces the risk of accumulating contaminants, and provides a balanced spectrum of nutrients. (Source: Photo by Unsplash)

Prefer Fresh Fish: Prefer seafood from clean, regulated waters or trusted suppliers. Transparency in sourcing helps reduce risk from pollution or contamination. (Source: Photo by Unsplash)