Food, Health

26 Foods That You Should Avoid If You Have Gout

17. Tuna

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Tuna is a saltwater fish that lives in habitats ranging from the Atlantic Ocean to Indonesia. Skipjack, popularly known as “light” tuna, and Albacore, sometimes known as “white” tuna, are the most well-known tuna species in the United States. Albacore tuna is the only type of tuna that can legally be marketed as “white meat tuna.” Tuna is one of the most popular types of seafood on the planet. Tuna is incredibly nutritious in addition to its abundance and meaty flavor. Tuna is a popular species of fish. Canned tuna, on the other hand, is frequently the most prevalent source of mercury in the diet. The phrase tuna refers to a variety of fish species, including skipjack, albacore, yellowfin, and bigeye. The most widely consumed species is skipjack. Mercury is a chemical that is commonly found in thermometers, thermostats, and automotive light switches, as well as in industrial facilities such as power plants, cement factories, and chemical manufacturers. When mercury is released into the environment, it can become a public health concern when it settles in our oceans and streams. Mercury is absorbed by natural microorganisms and converted into methylmercury, which enters the food chain. Small fish swallow or absorb methylmercury, which is then consumed by larger fish. Mercury, on the other hand, accumulates at every level of the food chain rather than breaking down or dissolving. Mercury concentrations in large fish, such as tuna, can be 10,000 times higher than those in their surrounding ecosystem. However, certain amounts of tuna are still safe to consume. Mercury has no odor and is completely undetectable to humans. However, once in the body, it can operate as a neurotoxic, interfering with the brain and neurological system. Mercury poisoning is extremely dangerous for young children and pregnant women. A child’s brain absorbs nutrients quickly as it develops. Mercury can impair absorption, resulting in learning difficulties and developmental delays. High doses can cause cognitive impairments, cerebral palsy, deafness, and blindness in babies and fetuses. Mercury poisoning in adults can have an impact on fertility and blood pressure management.