There are less than fifteen days left for the traditional ones to start Christmas feasts in family. And in this last week an alert that was created in 2011 about suck the head of the prawns. Was the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AECOSAN) The one that recommended that diners avoid savoring that part of the seafood because of its high levels of a metal. Specifically, cadmium, very toxic to the body and especially to the kidney. Norway lobster, prawns or other crustaceans usually contain this element, so it is advisable to prevent its ingestion in the meals of the Christmas. But is there a real risk that the population should be very concerned about? What other damages to the health appear on these dates?
Safe levels of metal consumption
Given the proximity of those days in which the seafood consumption In our country and other Europeans, the 'virality' of the recommendation has been remarkable. However, it is not a new or unknown alert, since eight years ago the AECOSAN advised limiting the intake of heavy metal. In 2009, he calculated that levels of cadmium insurance for one person per week should be no more than 2,5 micrograms per kilo of weight. Until that date, the agency set that limit but for seven weeks, something that changed a lot from then on. In other words, a diner from 70 kilos can eat some 0,175 milligrams every seven days maximum.
Therefore, if one takes into account that white parts of shellfish have about 0,08 milligrams per kilo, always according to AECOSAN, you could consume up to two kilograms per week without problem. Now, you should also consider that there are other products that contain heavy metal, although in other quantities. This is when the fact that suck the head of the prawns. Because it turns out that these parts contain the cadmium in levels multiplied by four. Something that becomes much more risky in the case of crabs, because in these crustaceans the quantity of the element is multiplied by thirty.
So can you suck the head of the prawns?
'Consumers should be aware that consumption of these parts (viscera) of crustaceans can lead to unacceptable cadmium exposure. Particularly when the intake is habitual ”, they warn from AECOSAN. During the Christmas, lunches and dinners follow each other with these exquisite seafood whose presence on the table is usually only very punctual the rest of the year. At least, for a family with a normal or modest income, since the price of shellfish It is elevated.
Therefore, suck the heads of the prawns it is a recurring act in large family feasts, but totally unnecessary. You want to take advantage of the flavor attached to that part of the delicacy, characterized by that touch of salt and lemon that flavors the natural taste of the marine product. But beyond that, there is no greater reason to ingest amounts of cadmium that you can avoid. Because above the pleasure on your palate is the health, which must always prevail.
We poor people do not suck the heads of the prawns because the next day we have to make fish soup.
- Missty (@miss_ticas) December 17, 2019
In addition, you should know that this metal, with a high quantity consumption, passes into the blood and from it both into kidney as the liver. It is stored in both organs, without being able to calculate exactly what levels of the toxic element you have in your body. Even food safety experts like Gemma del Cano they claim that it "remains in the body for 20 or 30 years."
Damages with other Christmas excesses
The risk of cadmium in inadequate proportions is there on designated dates, and may be associated with bone problems, kidney dysfunction, or even cancer, in extreme case. However, it is not the only concern for your health, since other Christmas excesses they are even more harmful. Among them, it is worth remembering the alcohol as the most obvious example. Although its consumption is normalized and the dangers of its intake are minimized, it is a drink with which care must be taken. The same thing happens with the tobacco, despite the fact that many people are equally unaware of its harmful effects.
In conclusion, it is convenient do not suck the head of the prawns for pleasure, but it is advisable to walk or walk after the Binge Christmas Abuse confectionery not good either. So you know, enjoy great products but in moderation! An exciting awaits you 2020 and you must be healthy.
