Dr. Bela Azaria, an expert from Assuta Medical Center, explained the possible risks and provided recommendations to reduce health exposure to lead.
Why is tuna susceptible to lead contamination?
Lead is a heavy metal that accumulates in nature and enters the food chain of marine life. Tuna, as a large predatory fish, are high in the food chain and are therefore more susceptible to heavy metals such as lead and mercury. Due to environmental pollution, these substances have become an inevitable part of the human diet and traces of them can be found in food.
Recommendations for eating tuna
Dr. Azaria recommends limiting tuna consumption to no more than three servings per week. Although the lead content in tuna is low, its presence should be considered since lead is a powerful toxin that has harmful effects on health.
Health risks
Lead poses the greatest danger to children, pregnant women and the elderly. In children, given their small body weight and immature nervous system, lead can accumulate and cause damage to the nervous system, kidneys and even cause disorders of the cardiovascular system. In adults, long-term lead exposure can also cause cumulative harms, including heart disease and reproductive problems.
Tips to reduce lead exposure
To minimize your exposure to lead, Dr. Azaria recommends the following steps:
- Control your tuna consumption: Limit consumption to a few times a week and add other protein sources to your diet, such as salmon or smaller fish.
- balanced diet: Eat more vegetables, fruits, grains and legumes. These products will provide the body with the necessary substances and help cope with the effects of heavy metals.
- Preference for natural products.: Choose unprocessed foods and avoid canned foods and foods with additives, as they may contain additional toxins that make it difficult to remove lead.
Dr. Azaria notes that tuna is beneficial due to its protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins. The main thing is to maintain moderation and balance in consumption to obtain the benefits while minimizing the risks.
