Shark's fin, Benefits and Hazards

Shark's fin, Benefits and Hazards

Shark fins are one of the most expensive fishery products. Typically shark fins are processed into fibers like noodles, which are then cooked as ingredients to make soup by Chinese tribes wherever they live around the world, usually served on big days such as weddings, Lunar New Year, Cap Gomeh and Pekong Sembahyang . The two countries that are the highest shark fin export destinations, based on FAO data, are Hong Kong and Singapore, which are predominantly Chinese. And that is quite proud may be in quotes, Indonesia as top producer shark fin number one according to FAO data.

Shark fin products are processed and marketed locally, across regions, domestically and abroad in some form. Some of them are fresh and wet and unprocessed (Wet fins), usually in shipment using ice cubes and for local purposes. Then in the form of raw raw fins (raw fins), complete with denticles and cartilaginous platelets. The fins are still complete and dry. Furthermore, the skin fins removed (semi prepared), but the fiber is intact and dry. This form, considered the most expensive because it has been considered pure, where the tail fin can be intact, while pectoral and back fin should be divided in two. Then ready to be cooked (frozen prepared fins), with in-brine ingredients, where the fins are fresh and intact, intended for domestic delivery, but must be sent immediately so that the product is not damaged. Then it has been processed into soup, where ready to eat.

Since the past centuries, Chinese tribes whose ancestors from China, already know food from shark fins. It is known from the writings of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), which informs that shark fin soup is promoted as an exotic and healthy meal by emperors and nobles. Throughout time, shark fins are believed to be one of the eight most valuable seafoods because shark fins are considered rare. Shark fin's serve as the main menu at the official banquets. Usually a shark's fin will be presented at night by the host as a sign to show a deep respect for the invited guests and the presentation of the shark fin soup, showing a prestigious social status for a Chinese Tribe. Months where demand for shark fins, demand is quite high from October to February. In this month the Chinese tribe believes that the month is a lucky month, and usually in those months a lot of weddings are held, and the peak at the Chinese New Year Party. However, in July to August, parties are rarely held because, the two months are considered unfavorable months for the Chinese, affecting the demand for shark fin, which tends to decline.

Behind the value of traditional shark fin by the Chinese Tribe, how much is the nutritional value of shark fin. Based on the documentation of ancient Chinese medical books, shark fins have many benefits, including for rejuvenation, to increase appetite, provide nutrition for blood, and are believed to be good for the health of the lungs, kidneys, bones and other parts of the body. The chemical composition in 100 grams of shark fin is as follows,

Water	14.0 g
Protein*	83.5 g
Fat	0.3 g
Carbohydrate	0.0 g
Ash	2.2 g
Calcium	146.0 mg
Phosphorus	194.0 mg
Iron	15.2 mg
Food energy	337 kca

From the data mentioned above, the protein composition is very less the content of essential amino acid Tryptophan is useful to improve intelligence, where fish bloated and Salmon fish very high found the content.

But behind the credible benefits, there is an opinion that sharks are very useful for health just myths. Sharks are carnivorous animals, which contain lots of mercury. Based on the results of studies conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), found that sharks are not recommended for consumption because of the high levels of mercury and other heavy metals contained therein. In fact, in some species of shark, the mercury content is very high. Mercury is one of the elements of metal contaminated from mineral deposits and heavy metals, as well as volcanic activity. The impact of consuming mercury on the human body kills slowly and can also rapidly, depending on the height of mercury consumed. No wonder, if you ever eat shark meat, the throat will feel very dry.

Pregnant women and children in the United States have been recommended by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), not to consume sharks, for fins and meat, due to the high content of dangerous heavy metals such as mercury in Sharks . If a pregnant woman consumes Shark, her mercury contents may cause disruption to the growth of the baby's brain and nerves. This will affect future growth and development, such as cognitive ability, concentration power, language skills, memory, motor, visual and spatial abilities. Even some studies show mercury can cause autism in children. Then for children, especially toddlers, the impact is greater and worse because their brains are still in the growth and development phase. For adults, heavy metals mercury can damage the central nervous system and cardiovascular system. In addition, male fertility or infertility can also attack men and decrease the ability to coordinate gestures, speech impairment, hearing, walking, and muscle weakness when consuming mercury.

Not only that, according to WHO, mercury has toxic effects that can interfere with the nervous system, digestion, immune system, lungs, kidneys, skin, and eyes. Mercury is included in the top 10 groups of harmful chemicals to watch out for. In addition to mercury, according to a study from the University of Miami published in the Journal of Marine Drugs, shark fins are also rich in BMAA, a dangerous neurotoxin that can cause various neurodegenerative diseases in humans such as Alzheimer's. Also note that on shark fins are often also added Hydrogen Peroxide, a substance that can increase free radicals and harmful to the body.

Behind the traditional valuable values ​​that are still trusted shark fins, it turns out there is an astonishing fact, the question is still do you want to consume shark fin?

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