The importance of nutrition with the Mediterranean diet is emphasized in order to prevent diseases. Although it is known that fish, which is at the top of the Mediterranean diet, is very beneficial, traces of a harmful neurotoxin called mercury can pose a risk to health. According to experts, eating fish can tire the eyes and cause lung and kidney damage.
CAN CAUSE MANY HEALTH PROBLEMS
However, their natural habitat may contain mercury, which is converted to methyl mercury by bacteria and other processes, and this exposes fish to this culprit in their food and water as it passes through their gills.
MAY CAUSE LOSS OF VISUAL
According to the World Health Organization, mercury found naturally in water, which is considered a “major public health problem,” can lead to a host of health complications that target the lungs, kidneys, skin and even your eyes. Worryingly, consuming this neurotoxin-rich fish can even lead to vision loss, according to Dr Rabia Bourkiza.
IT INITIALLY ARISES WITH COLOR VISION DISORDER
Dr Bourkiza said: “High levels of mercury can cause optic neuropathy, which initially manifests as impaired color vision. This is followed by loss of peripheral vision and eventually more severe, central vision loss. Mercury is often found in some fish caught in polluted waters.”
THEY WARN ON TOXIC EFFECTS
Not only do you have to take the word of Dr Bourkiza, as research published in the journal Medical Science Monitor warns of the “toxic effects” of mercury on vision. The study also highlighted that chronic exposure to the harmful element can result in “peripheral vision loss” followed by “more severe central vision loss”.
CAUSES SLEEPlessness
For comparison, the researchers looked at 31 battery factory workers and 15 healthy non-factory workers who were regularly exposed to the neurotoxin. The subjects’ blood samples were able to determine the mercury levels in their bodies. From insomnia to fatigue, mercury caused a variety of health problems in the participants.
THE TYPE OF FISH YOU EAT IS IMPORTANT
According to the eye specialist, the good news is that not all fish are high in the harmful element. Dr Bourkiza said: “The risk will depend on how much and what type of fish you eat. As a general rule, larger and longer-lived fish contain the most mercury, as well as fish that eat other fish for survival. Swordfish, shark, king mackerel and fresh tuna are some of the species most likely to contain high levels of mercury.”
BUY FISH FROM TRUSTED PLACES
“It’s difficult to assess how much of this type of fish needs to be eaten for them to be toxic, but those who eat it every day or at least a few times a week are at greater risk. Some waters around the world contain higher levels of mercury than others, such as the Caribbean. If you’re eating these fish, find out where they come from and Make sure you buy them from a reliable source that knows how to prepare them properly.”
RECOMMENDED TWICE A WEEK
Despite this risk, fish remains a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids and various vitamins. That’s why the NHS recommends eating at least two servings of fish per week, including one serving of oily fish. “While not common, the effect of mercury on your eye health is definitely something to be aware of,” the expert added.