KOMPAs.com – Green mussels are often a favorite choice for seafood lovers. Cooked with spicy Padang sauce, this food is always appetizing.
However, behind its deliciousness, there are serious dangers lurking if you consume green mussels, especially those from areas with polluted seas, such as Jakarta Bay.
Dangers of consuming green mussels
The following is a complete explanation based on expert views:
Also read: How to choose fresh shellfish, don’t get rotten ones
According to Professor of Ecobiology from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences IPB, Etty Riani, green mussels from Jakarta Bay contain various dangerous heavy metals such as mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chrome (Cr), and tin ( sn).
“The heavy metal content is so high that it is not safe for consumption,” explained Etty, as reported by Sajian Sedap.
Consuming excessive amounts of heavy metals can trigger various serious diseases, including cancer and non-cancerous degenerative diseases.
Green mussels are safe if they come from clean seas
As a solution, Etty suggests avoiding green mussels from Jakarta Bay and choosing mussels from areas where the sea is cleaner from waste, such as Cirebon.
Green mussels from Cirebon are known to have lower heavy metal content so they are safer to consume.
Also read: 3 ways to clean green mussels so they’re not fishy, boil them with ginger
Safe green mussels
On the other hand, if green mussels come from a clean and fresh source, this food has many health benefits:
green mussel illustration. - Proteins
- Healthy fats
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Iron
- Vitamins A, B12, and C
- Calcium
- Potassium
- Calories
Fresh green mussels can help treat anemia due to their high iron content, as well as supporting overall body health.
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