Recap: Barramundi is perfect for a Mediterranean diet, characteristic of the foods eaten in the region with lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. This diet recommends eating three to four ounces, about the size of a deck of cards, of fish per week.
Is barramundi high in mercury? The Better Fish® Barramundi contains no traceable levels of mercury or toxic polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), and it's farmed without any antibiotics or chemicals, which makes barramundi very safe to eat.
In most fish, the levels are very low. However, some varieties contain high levels of mercury due to their feeding habits or surrounding environment. Commercially sold fish that may contain high levels of mercury include shark (flake), ray, swordfish, barramundi, gemfish, orange roughy, ling and southern bluefin tuna.
Barramundi is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein. Its fillets contain substantial amounts of iodine, potassium, and vitamin B12. In contrast, Salmon has higher levels of Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D than any other fish.
Sometimes it's hard to know what kind of seafood is safe to eat, with concerns about mercury and other contaminants as well as environmental sustainability, not to mention picking a fish that's delicious and easy to cook. Fortunately, barramundi is a fish that checks all the boxes.
Barramundi is High in Key Nutrients
In order to meet the recommended omega-3 requirements for a healthy heart and brain power, eat Aussie barra at least once or twice a week.
Iridovirus is one of the most severe diseases of tropical marine species such as barramundi and grouper (Epinephelus spp) but also affects many other fish species including some in freshwater.
Also known as Asian sea bass, sustainable sea bass or giant perch, a 5-ounce portion of barramundi has 137 calories (half that of salmon), 2½ grams total fat, negligible saturated fat and 76 milligrams of cholesterol. It's also an excellent source of high-quality protein.
1. Salmon. Salmon is versatile and one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acid, which is essential as the body cannot make it on its own so it must be obtained through food. Salmon's also high in protein, with just 200g providing around 44g protein.
Barramundi is an excellent source of lean protein, with a five-ounce serving containing about 140 calories (half the calories of salmon), two grams of total fat, and 600 to 800 milligrams of omega-3s.
Our Barramundi are clean and fully traceable with non-detectable levels of mercury, PCBs, and other contaminants. They are also raised without antibiotics, added hormones, or chemicals.
Native to the Indo-Pacific, Barramundi proves to not only offer a desirable taste and culinary properties, it's packed with heart-healthy omega-3s and is a hardy species that lends itself to sustainable farming. It's truly like the “goldilocks of sustainable fish.”
Species of fish that are long-lived and high on the food chain, such as marlin, tuna, shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish contain higher concentrations of mercury than others.
But is it safe to eat fish every day? “For most individuals it's fine to eat fish every day,” says Eric Rimm, professor of epidemiology and nutrition, in an August 30, 2015 article on Today.com, adding that “it's certainly better to eat fish every day than to eat beef every day.”
While eating fish has nutritional benefits, it also has potential risks. Fish can take in harmful chemicals from the water and the food they eat. Chemicals like mercury and PCBs can build up in their bodies over time. High levels of mercury and PCBs can harm the brain and nervous system.
1. The Puffer Fish. The puffer, also called a swellfish or blowfish, inflates when disturbed or threatened. The puffer fish has a highly toxic substance called tetrodotoxin, which is located in its liver, ovaries, intestines and skin.
Helps with weight loss
Making it the ideal protein for staying healthy and in shape. When compared to other popular proteins, you'll be surprised to discover that 200 grams of Australian farmed barramundi has: Less calories than salmon. Half the fat of chicken and pork.
Internationally, barramundi are also known as Asian sea bass, giant perch, or giant sea perch. Barramundi have not always had such an iconic name in Australia, and were once known as Asian sea bass. In the 1980's, barramundi was appropriated for marketing reasons.
Barramundi is mainly farmed in land-based tanks and ponds, with smaller volumes produced in sea cages in the ocean. The vast majority of barramundi produced in Australia is from farmed production rather than wild capture fisheries.
Barramundi is low in fat and high in omega-3 fatty acids, making it a great source of essential nutrients. Some consider barramundi one of the healthiest seafoods. This fish is great for your cardiovascular system. Including omega-3 fatty acids in your diet is an excellent start to a healthier lifestyle.
Barramundi are often plagued by small transparent flatworms that live on their surface, causing epidermal damage resulting in economic losses to the fish farming industry.
Aussie barra is chockers full of essential vitamins and minerals that support your immune, cardiovascular and nervous systems. For example, you can find selenium, zinc, magnesium, vitamin A and calcium. Just one fillet of barramundi contains approximately 40mg of calcium.