Impurities in Wild Salmon Vs. Farmed Salmon
Farmed salmon have higher levels of mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (pcbs) than wild-caught salmon. Consuming large amounts of mercury can cause negative health effects, especially in children and pregnant women.
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Effects
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According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, a developing child who is exposed to mercury in large amounts may suffer mental retardation, deafness or blindness. PCBs are cancer-causing chemicals that have been banned in the U.S. since 1976.
Causes
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Farmed salmon are fed fishmeal made from small fish. PCBs that remain in U.S. water sources are stored in the tiny fishes' fat deposits, which adds up when they are turned into fish food. Mercury is found in bacteria in many water supplies. These bacteria are eaten by fish allowing the mercury to work its way up the food chain.
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Considerations
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The Environmental Working Group (EWG) advises choosing wild caught salmon whenever possible. If a consumer purchases farm-raised salmon, she can reduce the impurities by removing the fat before cooking and preparing the salmon by boiling, grilling or baking, which removes more impurities than frying.
Benefits
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Wild salmon is a healthy food, full of omega 3 essential fatty acids, which help to strengthen the cardiovascular system and lower blood pressure. A diet rich in omega 3s also reduces the risk of several cancers and prevents Alzheimer's disease.
Expert Advice
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The American Heart Association suggests eating fish, especially fatty fish such as salmon, twice a week for optimum health. A 2003 study by the EWG showed that farmed salmon from Canada has fewer impurities than farm-raised U.S. salmon, making it a good option for consumers who can't find wild caught salmon.
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References
- Photo Credit salmon image by AGITA LEIMANE from Fotolia.com
