Spanish Scientists Say Tuna Sushi Contains Highly Neurotic Toxic Compound

With heart-healthy salmon, tuna and avocado, many consider sushi to be a nutritious meal they can enjoy regularly. Fish is a source of protein, with oily varieties like salmon and mackerel also rich in essential fatty acids that may ward off heart disease, promote healthy fetal development and even preserve brain health, Alexandra Thompson reported for Yahoo Life UK.

In excessive amounts, however, fish can contain heavy metals. Rice – a sushi staple – is a low-fat carbohydrate, however, the staple grain is also made up of arsenic. With "scarce information" on the "potentially toxic elements in sushi," scientists from the Center for Environmental, Food and Toxicological Technology (TecnATox) in Spain analyzed hundreds of the cuisine's classic dishes.

Results – published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology – reveal the most popular meals can contain excessive levels of "the highly neurotoxic compound" methylmercury, with the risk varying among different age groups.

The team therefore recommends people opt for "varied" and "moderate" amounts of sushi, with "limited" tuna dishes.

Sushi consumption has increased significantly since the last quarter of the 20th century, with the number of restaurants that serve the cuisine "in constant expansion."

Nearly half (45%) of the Spanish population are said to eat sushi at least once a month.

Concerned about contaminant exposure, the TecnATox scientists analyzed hundreds of pieces of sashimi – raw fish, nigiri – balls of rice with fish or seafood on top, and maki – a seaweed roll stuffed with rice, raw fish, or vegetables.

The team measured the concentrations of various toxic elements – cadmium, nickel, lead, mercury, arsenic, and methylmercury. The results reveal the maki and nigiri dishes had significantly more arsenic than sashimi, likely due to the latter lacking rice.

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