5. FISH
Though fish contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids that help fight heart disease, and maybe even Alzheimer's, it also contains heavy metal toxins such as mercury (found especially in tuna, swordfish and shark). When eaten regularly, these can remain in your system and can lead to serious health and cognitive problems, including heart disease and reduced memory and concentration.
“Be careful with fish oil supplements too,“ warns Dr Sandhu. “High doses might reduce the immune system's activity which would reduce the body's ability to fight infection. They could also lead to an increase in the body's LDL (bad) cholesterol.“
WHO'S AT RISK?
Pregnant women and very young children are especially susceptible to mercury, but everyone needs to watch their intake.
Those taking blood pressure medications need to be careful of fish oil supplements as they may cause the blood pressure to drop too sharply.
HEALTHY LIMIT:
Choose cold-water fish known to contain less mercury, such as shrimp, salmon, catfish, carp, trout, squid, canned light tuna, herring and sardines, or stick to farm bred fish. Have about 20-25g per day or limit yourself to two meals of fish a week. “Fish oil supplements are safe between 3 and 5g a day,“ says Dr Jain.
(KAVITA DEVGAN HTB 5FEB12)
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