The Truth About Salmon at Costco: What You Need to Know

In this video, Dr. Paul Saladino takes us on a journey through Costco in Miami, sharing critical insights on how to choose the right type of salmon and fish. With so much misleading information about seafood, it's essential to understand what you're buying to ensure you're making the healthiest choices for your body and the environment.

Understanding Salmon Types

At Costco, you'll primarily find two types of salmon: Atlantic salmon and wild salmon. However, it's crucial to note that Atlantic salmon is almost always farm-raised. Unlike wild salmon, which derives its vibrant color from krill and the antioxidant astaxanthin, farm-raised salmon often has added color to mimic this appearance.

The Problems with Farm-Raised Salmon

Pollution and Disease: Farm-raised salmon are kept in crowded pens, leading to a high risk of disease and pollution. This environment necessitates the use of antibiotics, which can carry over into the fish you consume.
Contaminants: Due to their farming conditions, these fish often contain higher levels of harmful substances like PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) and PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), as well as heavy metals.
Misleading Labels: Even labels like "Pharaoh Island salmon" can mislead consumers into thinking they are buying high-quality fish when it is still farm-raised.

Heavy Metals and Health Risks

Dr. Saladino emphasizes the dangers of consuming fish high in heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic. These toxins can lead to various health issues, including:

Oxidative stress on the body
Neurodevelopmental issues in children
Potential precancerous lesions

He warns against consuming large quantities of tuna and other fish known for high mercury levels, especially AI tuna, which may also be artificially colored.

Alternatives to Salmon

For those seeking healthier seafood options, Dr. Saladino suggests:

Choosing wild salmon when available.
Considering smaller fish like sardines or anchovies, but being cautious of heavy metal content.
Exploring grass-fed beef as a cleaner, healthier meat option compared to farm-raised fish.

Conclusion

In summary, the majority of salmon available at Costco is farm-raised and potentially harmful to your health due to contaminants and misleading labeling. If you want to include fish in your diet, seek out wild-caught options and be wary of the heavy metals that can accumulate in seafood.

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