Yellowfin Tuna, parasites, blah blah.

[thecalaquendi]

Right, I bought some Yellowfin Tuna today (pricey $_$) and I detected maybe one or two black specks (small black filaments, not sure how to describe it) in the flesh. I was wondering if these might be parasites, and if so, what are the potential dangers of ingesting them?

I ate the fish anyway, of course. It was tasty

[Oscar]

I've seen one parasite so far, in a mackerel. It looked like a white/translucent thick short hair with a dark end, and it moved.

If i remember correctly, tuna very rarely has parasites.

[thecalaquendi]

So, what about the consequences of ingesting parasites?

[Oscar]

Opinions differ. I personally think that a healthy body shouldn't suffer any consequences, but then again, when is a body healthy?

There is some research (being) done about the influence of worms on allergy/allergies. It seemed as if worms had quite a big positive influence. So who knows, maybe we actually need parasites...

[thecalaquendi]

Thanks Oscar, that small piece of information was both interesting and helpful.

[Oscar]

You're welcome.

[avo]

Just to clarify, the dark, thin, squiggly things in your tuna are simply tiny veins, like capillaries.

I believe most if not all infected tuna are discovered and dealt with before they ever reach retail markets. Benefits/dangers of worms aside, tuna seems to be one of the safest fish in regards to parasites.

Enjoy!

Oh, and hi everybody!

[RRM]

Hi Avo, good to 'see' you!

[coconutty]

but overall aren't worms bad(on House a girl was dying from parasite that travelled from thigh to brain) and what kind of fish is best, frozen or fresh, salt/frehwater, where to buy, etc. to not eat the parasite thingies, ever.

[RRM]

There are parasites living in most species,
including us.
Most of the time, we will not notice them.
Sometimes somebody does notice,
because that person has a particular parasite,
or a weakened immune system.
Most parasites seem to be harmless, or even beneficial.

[RRM]

Toxoplasma gondii (as in toxoplasmosis) is a good example.
Its a tiny (1 cell) parasite, not visible to the naked eye,
predominantly present in cat feces and raw pork, goat and lamb meat.
(and poorly washed vegetables)

Once you have been infected, you will have life long immunity.
Only if your immune system is severely weakened (eg due to AIDS),
you may suffer from toxoplasmosis symptoms.
(swollen lymph nodes, fever, eye infection, liver and spleen enlargement, skin rashes)
In pregnant women, infection may seriously damage the unborn child.

[Mr. PC]

Doesn't Toxoplasmosis cause crazy cat lady syndrome?

Do we have evidence how it affects general health (either positive or negative?)

[RRM]

Up to half of the world's population is infected by toxoplasmosis, but have no symptoms Flegr et al
If your immune system is weak, however, severe symptoms may occur.
Just like the flu may kill you if your immune system is weak.
Optimal health is about strengthening your immune system.