Can the elderly eat shark fin?

　　Don't eat shark's fin, because it not only does not add nutrients to the body, but may also damage the brain.

　　According to the Huffington Post report this morning, a new American study shows that making shark fins not only puts a large number of sharks on the verge of extinction, but also contains high concentrations of nerve Toxins that may cause Alzheimer's disease.

　　According to reports, the study was published in the latest issue of the journal "Marine Medicines." Scientists from the University of Miami in the United States analyzed shark fins in Florida waters and found that sharks contain high concentrations of beta-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), a neurotoxin related to Alzheimer's disease and Lou Gehrig's disease. Experts believe that eating shark meat and shark cartilage may harm those who eat it healthy。

　　The scientists tested a total of seven species of sharks, including blacknose sharks, blacktip reef sharks, bonnethead sharks, bull sharks, great hammerhead sharks, lemon sharks and nurse sharks. The shark meat samples contained BMAA concentrations of 144 to 1838 nanograms per milligram, which are comparable to those found in the brains of Alzheimer's and Lou Gehrig's disease patients.

　　The researchers said the concentration of BMAA in the samples was worrying, and it was not just found in shark fins, but also in other foods such as health supplements consumed by humans. Still, as many as 70 million sharks have their fins removed and thrown back into the sea to die every year. “"No buying and selling, no killing." Researchers hope the findings will help discourage the practice of finning sharks.

　　Expert analysis

　　This neurotoxin can damage nerves

　　“The structure of β-methylamino-L-alanine is somewhat similar to that of amino acids, but it has more methylamino groups than alanine in amino acids, making it an 'amino acid' that cannot form proteins and is neurotoxin. ”Armed Police Chief Hospital Liu Qingchun, deputy director of the Nutrition Department, said.

　　This neurotoxin can cause damage to the nervous system, which can lead to muscle atrophy, affect the digestive system, respiratory system, etc., and ultimately lead to death due to inability to eat. However, β-methylamino-L-alanine is not a common substance, so there is currently no standard for its toxic and lethal dose.

　　This substance can be found in the seeds of Cycadaceae plants, and is now found in the bodies of sharks, so eating it may be harmful to the body. Our most common food related to sharks is shark fins.

　　Nutrition is incomparable egg Don't eat the shark fins

　　“The value of shark fins has always been controversial. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that shark fins still have some effects. For example, there is evidence that eating shark fins can prevent cancer , but in fact eating it three or five times a year will not have any effect. ”Deputy Director Liu Qingchun said.

　　The reason why shark fins, like bear paws and bird's nests, are known as delicacies of mountains and seas is mainly due to the fact that "things are rare but valuable". From a cost-effective perspective, they are far out of proportion and not of that great value.

　　In terms of protein content, the protein quality in shark fin is not as good as that of eggs and meat, and it contains incomplete protein; and in terms of unsaturated fat, shark fin is the same as ordinary marine fish, and has no special value.