Food, Health

26 Foods That You Should Avoid If You Have Gout

15. Mussels

Fine Cooking

There are many other types of mussels, both freshwater and saltwater, but the blue mussel is the most likely to end up on your plate. These animals, often known as edible mussels, reside in a blue-black bivalve shell. The mussel is tan in color and high in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Mussels spend much of their time in one location, consuming plankton that they filter from the water. Because they are filter feeders, they occasionally swallow bacteria and poisons, making them potentially hazardous to consume. The majority of pollutants are destroyed during cooking, however some may persist. Farm-raised mussels grow on ropes suspended in the sea. They are cleaner since they are not deposited on the ocean floor, but they might still carry pollutants. Mussels are beneficial to the environment because they can remove a variety of toxins from water. They’re even capable of cleaning E. coli from water yet remaining safe to eat. Mussels are not safe to eat under some circumstances. You should be aware of the following health hazards associated with eating mussels: Consuming shellfish during a red tide can result in a condition known as shellfish poisoning paralysis. The initial symptom is gastrointestinal distress. Muscle paralysis may result. Coma and death can occur if the person consumes a large amount of infected shellfish. Commercial shellfish are unlikely to cause shellfish poisoning paralysis. Check with your local health department or fish and game agency for any health warnings if you gather your own shellfish. Some people avoid eating shellfish due to concerns about mercury. While most fish and shellfish contain mercury, eating up to 12 ounces of them per week should not be harmful to your health. You can also avoid larger fish that contain more mercury, such as swordfish. Pregnant women should adhere to more stringent standards. Allergic responses to shellfish are rather common and can be fatal. Shrimp is the most likely to cause issues, although people who are allergic to shellfish should avoid all shellfish. Anyone who is allergic to shellfish should have a prescription for epinephrine and be cautious of hidden shellfish, especially while dining out. Some individuals prefer raw mussels, but they can be dangerous to those who are sensitive to toxins. Those suffering from cancer, liver illness, diabetes, immune system abnormalities, or digestive disorders should only consume mussels that have been completely cooked.