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FDA says eating too much fish can be unhealthy
It's supposed to be a healthy alterative to red meat.
But there's a growing concern that eating large amounts of fish can hurt your health.
How much fish is safe for you to eat each week?
About half a pound. The FDA says eating more than 30 pounds of fish per year isn't healthy.
These fish filets aren't as healthy as you think. While fish contains a lot protein and nutrients, the FDA says it also can harbor mercury, a dangerous toxin.
The FDA says pregnant women especially should limit the amount of fish in their diets, since the toxin can hurt brain development.
And while canned tuna is the most popular fish, it's also contains some of the highest levels of mercury.
The amount of canned tuna that's safe for you to eat is based on your body weight.
For example, if you weigh about 125 pounds, you should only be eating one 6-ounce can per week.
Nutritionist John Virgin says thicker steaks of fish, like tuna and swordfish absorb more mercury than smaller fish. "Big fish have lived for a long time and eaten a lot of small fish."
The bottom line here is to eat fish in moderation, remember less than 30 pounds a year.
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