The main culprit has long been known: ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and tanning beds. But researchers have now also raised an unexpected possibility. Maybe food plays a role in this as well?!
What does the new study say about fish?
A study carried out at Brown University in the US, which involved as many as 500,000 people, with an average age of 62 years. Participants were monitored regarding their dietary habits, specifically asked about how much fish they consumed each week.
The findings were surprising: those who consumed approximately 300 grams of fish per week (equivalent to two to three servings) had a 22% higher risk of developing skin cancer compared to those who hardly ate fish. For those who consumed tuna, the risk was even 20% higher.
Interestingly, in people who ate fried fish, this link was not evident. This means that the danger may not be in the fish itself as a food, but rather what it contains.
Where does the problem lie?
One explanation is the pollution of seas and oceans. Fish are not only a source of proteins and healthy fats but can also accumulate heavy metals, such as mercury and arsenic.
Previous research has shown that people who frequently eat fish have higher levels of toxic elements in their bodies. In 2020, the US FDA measured that the average can of tuna can contain up to 0.35 mg of mercury per kilogram, which is not negligible when consumed regularly. Heavy metals are known as carcinogens, meaning they can increase the risk of cancer.
Scientists emphasize that in the aforementioned study, they did not measure the actual levels of metals in people's bodies, so they cannot say that the connection is hundred percent proven. However, the suspicion remains strong enough to have sparked a debate worldwide.
Why does this cause confusion?
Fish have always been sold to us as synonymous with health. And indeed, omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon, sardines, and mackerel are proven to be beneficial for the heart and brain. People who eat more fish usually have fewer heart problems. A study from 2021 in Finland showed that regular consumption of fish reduces the risk of a heart attack by 15%.
But now the question arises: are we truly helping our hearts with fish, while risking skin cancer at the same time? This is a dilemma that researchers are still trying to resolve.
What can you do?
Folk wisdom says: everything in moderation, nothing in excess. This also applies to fish. If you eat them twice a week, there is no reason to panic. However, it is important to choose wisely.
- Smaller fish such as sardines, anchovies, and mackerel contain less mercury than larger fish (tuna, swordfish).
- Fish from cleaner waters (northern Atlantic, Baltic Sea) are generally less polluted than those from industrially contaminated areas.
- If you want omega-3 fatty acids without the risk of heavy metals, you can opt for flaxseed, nuts, or purified fish oil.
In folk practice, people have often used walnut oil for heart and brain health, or consumed hemp seeds. Today we know that both foods contain healthy fats with similar effects as those in fish but without the risk of metals.
In 2020, in California, residents of coastal cities who consumed fish three times a week had mercury levels in their bodies 40% higher than those who hardly consumed fish. On the other hand, the same group had lower blood pressure and fewer arrhythmia problems. This shows a paradox: fish can treat one issue but at the same time, open the door to another.
By 2025, there has been an increased demand in Europe for so-called organic fish from sustainable farming, where heavy metal levels are strictly controlled. However, these fish are more expensive, and many cannot afford them. Therefore, it is crucial to find cheaper but safe alternatives.
What do experts say?
Researchers emphasize that their findings are not a reason for people to stop eating fish. As one of the study's authors wrote: Our study raises questions but does not provide definite answers.
This means more analyses are needed where the impact of pollutants in fish on skin health will be precisely measured. Until then, the principle of caution applies. Enjoy fish but not in excessive amounts, and above all, choose quality sources.
Affordable Homemade Solutions
If you want to reap the benefits of fish without exposing yourself to risks, you can also use traditional remedies:
- Flaxseed: one tablespoon contains approximately 2.5g of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Walnuts: a handful of walnuts (30g) contains around 2.6g of omega-3.
- Hemp seeds: three tablespoons contain roughly 3g of omega-3.
These quantities are sufficient to meet daily needs for healthy fats that protect the heart and brain without risking heavy metals.
Caution and Balance
Fish remain a healthy food, but new insights warn us that they are not without risks. If you eat them twice a week, choose smaller varieties and pay attention to their origin, you can reap their benefits without exposing yourself to greater dangers. For added safety, you can resort to proven homemade solutions, seeds, nuts, and plant-based oils.
The truth is, there is no perfect food. Even what we once considered ideal can hide pitfalls. But with knowledge and a little caution, you can enjoy a diverse diet while protecting your health.
Would you like to be informed about news on the website?
