4 parts of fish you shouldn't eat.
Experts share four parts of fish that should not be eaten to avoid harming your health.
According to Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Duy Thinh, former staff member of Hanoi University of Science and Technology, fish is a nutritious and healthy food, but when processing and consuming it, some parts of the fish need to be removed to avoid affecting health.
The mucous layer on the outside of fish skin
The mucous membrane on a fish's skin helps it move nimbly, especially in catfish species. However, it is also a breeding ground for bacteria and dirt from the water environment.
Although not poisonous, this slimy layer can affect the cleanliness and flavor of the dish. Therefore, when preparing the fish, it should be scraped off with a knife or thoroughly washed with clean water to remove the fishy smell and ensure hygiene.
The black membrane inside the fish's belly.
The black film inside the fish's belly is where mud and impurities accumulate during the fish's growth process. If not cleaned, it can cause an unpleasant fishy odor and be harmful to health.
This membrane contains no nutrients, so it's best to scrape it off completely when preparing fish.
Fish intestines
Fish intestines harbor numerous bacteria, parasites such as worms and flukes, and toxins from the aquatic environment. Therefore, consuming fish intestines can pose a risk of infection or poisoning. To ensure safety, it is best to completely remove this part during preparation.
Fish bile
Fish bile contains several toxins that can affect the nervous system and may even lead to severe poisoning. In fact, many people have been hospitalized for emergency treatment due to accidentally swallowing fish bile.
In particular, in some fish species like pufferfish, the toxins in their bile are extremely dangerous, potentially causing dizziness, nausea, and even death if not treated promptly. When preparing fish, it's important to avoid breaking the gallbladder to protect your health.
In general, fish is a healthy food, but care must be taken during preparation to ensure safety. Removing unsuitable parts will make the dish tastier and reduce health risks.
