The Good, the Bad, and the Unhealthy Seafood - You went to the store and bought yourself frozen wild salmon. Why? You may have recently read that farm bred salmon is bad for your health. So, you started buying frozen fresh wild salmon or at least that's what it said on the packaging.

You begin to read the labels carefully, out of curiosity, and there is says in big bold letters freshly caught salmon. But wait, a closer look at the labels reveals another story, freshly caught salmon that is bred at a certified farm. Even though seafood is healthy for you, there are different types of seafood which can turn out to be harmful.

Reasons to eat fish

Fish, being high in protein, are a great choice to have in your diet. Rich in Omega-3 and fatty acids eating fish helps in circulating blood and improves the function of the heart. Most people may not know this, but fish is also an aphrodisiac.

Why should you avoid eating fish then?

Small amounts of fish are not considered unhealthy. But, most fish contain mercury and these mercury levels differ in each fish. The higher the mercury level, the more dangerous it is for your health. So, you have to make sure that you avoid eating fish that have a high mercury level. Consuming these fish that have a high mercury level can cause permanent brain and kidney damage.

Fish that have the highest levels of mercury

It's usually considered that the bigger the fish the higher the mercury level. Well, that is the case. Big fish have a higher mercury level which in turn allows them to live longer. So, how can you be sure which fish to eat and which to avoid.

Listed below are the fish from the lowest levels to the highest levels of mercury. This way you can be sure which fish to consume and which to avoid.

Low mercury levels

You can have 2 to 3 serving a week of these types of fish.

· Crab

· Oyster

· Scallop

· Squid

· Shrimp

· Clam

Considered, all the smaller fish these types of fish have the lowest levels of mercury in them.

Average Levels of Mercury

These fish should only be served six times in a month and not more. These fish include

· Lobster

· Tuna

· Monkfish

· Snapper

· Cod

· Bass

Highest levels of Mercury

These types of fish should strictly be avoided. They consume the highest levels of mercury than any other fish.

· Shark

· Marlin

· Swordfish

· Orange Roughy

· Tilefish

· Ahi (tuna)

There are other types of fish that lie between average levels and highest levels of mercury that can be consumed such as the sea bass, bluefish and the grouper. But, they should only be consumed three times in a month.

For more info from Rinda L Martin regarding online seafood or seafood shop brisbane, visit seafoodathome.com.au.