The news is rife with reports of high mercury levels in fish and dire warnings for women planning to breed. Lost amid these dueling studies and conflicting health requirements is a truly important question: What about sushi? Can you be healthy and still allow yourself the world's most delectable upscale treat?

Conflicting Reports:

While a certain amount of naturally-occurring mercury always showed up in fish, the 50% of American power that comes from the combustion of fossil fuels (that's coal, to you and me) has led to a sharp increase in mercury which travels from air to soil to water and finally into the biggest, bottom-feeding fish. n 2004, the FDA and EPA joined forces to recommend that women of childbearing age and young children should steer clear of Shark, Swordfish, King Mackerel and Tilefish, since they have the highest levels of mercury.

As with many hyped supplements, selenium has legitimately intriguing attributes, but is far from perfect.

One of my favorite resources, The Berkeley Wellness Letter, takes a critical look at the mineral in its December newsletter. Citing several recent studies, Berkeley concludes that selenium has been linked to cancer prevention because it may: