00:00Why is salmon one of the most dangerous fish in the world?
00:03And no, it's not because they're aggressive.
00:05Let's start with the fact that the flesh of wild sockeye, chum, and pink salmon
00:10has that rich red color and is incredibly healthy.
00:13But that's exactly where the danger lies.
00:16Up to 80% of wild Pacific salmon are infected with parasites.
00:20These worms burrow into the fish's muscles and internal organs.
00:24The larvae of the parasite Anisoccus literally drill tunnels through the fish's tissues.
00:29And if you eat infected salmon raw, those parasites can start wrecking your stomach fast.
00:34So why do bears eat them by the ton and stay healthy?
00:37Because they've adapted to these parasites over thousands of years.
00:41Their immune systems can handle it.
00:43But there are even scarier parasites living in our freshwater carp and perch.
00:48They can invade human organs and cause severe inflammation.
00:51So if you love sushi and sashimi, remember parasites don't kill the fish.
00:55They're just waiting for a new host.
00:57And only deep freezing or cooking can keep you safe.
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