Yes, you can generally eat fish after drinking coffee. Research even suggests that the combination might be beneficial in reducing mercury absorption.
Here's a breakdown:
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General Safety: There are no known widespread contraindications or adverse reactions associated with consuming fish and coffee together.
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Potential Benefit Regarding Mercury: Some studies indicate that consuming tea or coffee with cooked fish may reduce the absorption of mercury from the fish into your body. This is because compounds in coffee and tea appear to bind with mercury, making it less bioavailable.
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Caveats:
- This research focuses on cooked fish. The effect on raw fish, like sushi, may be different.
- The reduction in mercury absorption is not a complete elimination. It's still essential to be mindful of fish types known to have higher mercury levels, particularly for pregnant women and young children.
- The referenced study points to the potential benefit. More research is needed to confirm and fully understand the effect.
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Practical Recommendations:
- If you're concerned about mercury intake, consider enjoying a cup of coffee or tea with your fish.
- Choose fish lower in mercury more frequently. (Salmon, trout, and cod are often cited as lower in mercury.)
- Be mindful of portion sizes.
In conclusion, eating fish after coffee is generally safe and may even offer a slight benefit in reducing mercury absorption. Always practice moderation and be aware of the source and mercury content of your fish.
