Tag: Shark meat

A 2025 study found that bronze whaler shark meat contained mercury levels up to eight times higher than the US EPA's reference dose limit, raising serious health concerns. When considering what is shark meat full of, the answer points to significant levels of contaminants, including heavy metals, alongside beneficial nutrients.

Raw shark meat can provide an impressive 21-25 grams of protein per 100-gram serving, making it a notably high-protein food. However, the crucial question, "Is shark meat high in protein?" barely scratches the surface of this complex and potentially dangerous dietary choice.

Over 100 million sharks are killed annually, yet the question remains: is shark good for humans to eat? As apex predators, sharks accumulate high levels of heavy metals like mercury, presenting significant health dangers to anyone who consumes them.

According to a 2025 study, the global abundance of oceanic sharks and rays has declined by nearly three-quarters over the last 50 years, largely due to overfishing. Given this alarming statistic, and the inherent health dangers, a growing number of people are questioning who should not eat sharks and why.

While some species of shark show higher lipid concentrations in their bodies, a typical 100-gram serving of raw shark meat actually contains a moderate level of cholesterol, similar to many other types of lean fish. In reality, the most significant health concerns with consuming shark meat are not its cholesterol levels but its potential to contain high concentrations of toxic contaminants like mercury.

Great white sharks are known to possess blood mercury levels that would be fatally toxic to most other animals. This fact underscores the critical health question: is great white shark meat toxic and safe for human consumption?

A 2013 study on migratory sharks in the southeastern Pacific found high levels of heavy metals like lead in their tissues. This highlights the potential risks associated with consuming shark meat, which can accumulate toxins due to its position as an apex predator in the marine food web.

According to USDA data, a 100-gram serving of raw shark meat contains approximately 160mg of potassium, which represents only about 4% of the average recommended daily value. This places shark meat firmly in the moderate category for potassium content, far from being considered a high-potassium food source.

According to nutritional data, raw shark meat contains approximately 21-24.6 grams of protein per 100 grams, comparable to other popular seafood options like tuna or swordfish. This makes shark meat a robust source of protein for those seeking it in their diet. However, its potential health risks, primarily due to high mercury levels, are a major deterrent for many.

In Australia, where flake has been a fish and chip staple for decades, studies have recently raised health concerns. The question, 'Is flake fish bad for you?' has become increasingly relevant due to potential health risks, most notably mercury content, as well as sustainability and mislabeling issues.