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The Curious Bag
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<h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: Sardines Contain Pollutants
Sardines contain trace amounts of mercury; PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyl; and lead. According to dietitian Fiona Ford, pregnant women should limit eating two serving of sardines per week because of the pollutants present in the fish. Eating more than two servings of sardines per week can harm the baby and cause birth defects and medical problems.
On the Other: Sardines Contain Omega-3 Fatty Acids
A sardine is a small, oily fish that contains omega-3 fatty acids. Two or more servings of sardines per week can help lower bad cholesterol, or low-density lipoprotein, according to the Mayo Clinic. Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into your diet helps prevent heart disease, heart attack and stroke, states the Mayo Clinic.
Bottom Line
Although sardines have heart-healthy benefits that may prevent heart disease, pregnant women should avoid eating more than two servings of sardines per week, as the trace amounts of environmental chemicals in sardines may have unhealthy results on the fetus.
Source:
Baby Center: Safe and Unsafe Foods During Pregnancy
Resource:
GreenAmericaToday: How to Find Safe, Sustainable Seafood
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