Sardines are a type of small, oily fish that contain a lot of important nutrients. Both fresh and canned sardines have health benefits, including helping to fight inflammation and supporting the health of your heart, bones, and immune system.
But are they just as healthy when you get them canned vs. fresh? Unfortunately, fresh sardines and canned sardines are not equal in nutritional value. Canned sardines are often packed in oil, water, mustard, tomato, or other sauces that can increase sodium levels.
Notably, levels of the healthy omega-3 fatty acids in both fresh and canned fish are similar, but most canned fishes generally provide more calcium because the calcium-rich bones are included in the can. The high-temp pressure cooking softens the small bones, which can be incorporated into most recipes and enjoyed.
The fully processed products include canned tuna, salmon, shrimp, crab, sardines, and other fish, fish balls, and so on. The heating process applied to these products is designed to destroy pathogenic bacteria and normal numbers of other organisms.
Still, tuna is high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and Vitamins B and A. This fish is also a good source of iron, phosphorous, and selenium. Sardines do not have a lot of mercury in them, so they're healthier in that regard.
Sardines are high in protein, rich in omega-3 fatty acids (associated with heart health benefits), and filled with certain important vitamins (especially D and B12) and minerals (such as calcium). However, sardines packed in oil are high in sodium and cholesterol, so daily consumption of them is not advisable.
Sardines are a type of small, oily fish that contain a lot of important nutrients. Both fresh and canned sardines have health benefits, including helping to fight inflammation and supporting the health of your heart, bones, and immune system.
Because sardines contain purines, which break down into uric acid, they aren't a good choice for those at risk of kidney stone formation. The high sodium in sardines can also increase calcium in your urine, which is another risk factor for kidney stones.
Water-packed sardines just won't have the same rich flavor and can taste a bit water-logged. Oil, however, locks in the fish's flavor and keeps each sardine super-moist. Opt for olive oil, rather than other oils, as its savory characteristics really complement the sardines.
Canned sardines
At the cannery, the fish are washed, their heads are removed, and the fish are then smoked or cooked, either by deep-frying or by steam-cooking, after which they are dried. They are then packed in either olive, sunflower, or soybean oil, water, or in a tomato, chili, or mustard sauce.
Sardines contain significantly less mercury than salmon, so even if you had two standard-sized cans of sardines (~3 ounces / ~84 grams drained), that's still only ~6 ounces of a safer fish in terms of heavy metals. In fact, you could have 4–5 cans of sardines and still be safe!
Similar to shrimp, sardines are a potent seafood source of cholesterol. An ounce of sardines contains as much as 40 milligrams of cholesterol, and it's easy to eat more than an ounce at a time.
The FDA recommends a weekly intake of two to three servings of sardines, or 8 to 12 ounces for adults and 4 to 6 ounces for children age 4 to 7. The FDA recognizes the health benefits of eating fish, especially for pregnant people and young children. Pregnant people can eat up to 12 ounces per week.
Fatty fish like salmon or sardines might have a bit less protein than chicken breast, but they both deliver high doses of omega-3 fats. Compared to chicken, fish also provides some flavor variety for your meals.
Drain the oil out of the can.
Sometimes a recipe will tell you to use the oil straight from the sardine can– and I regularly use the canned oil in my cooking. However, keep in mind that the oil from the can will taste fishier than fresh oil.
Sardines
Sardines provide 2 grams of heart-healthy omega-3s per 3 ounce serving, which is one of the highest levels of omega-3 and the lowest levels of mercury of any fish.
Sardines are also superior to canned tuna in their calcium and vitamin E content—an average serving provides 182 mg of calcium (14% DV) and 1.75 mg of vitamin E (8% DV), while a serving of tuna contains only 11 mg of calcium (1% DV) and . 75 mg of vitamin E (3% DV).
Is it healthy to eat canned sardines 1-2 times a day? Yes it is. Eating sardines is like taking a daily supplement, since they are loaded with omega -3 fatty acids. Sardines also have great health benefits and it's said that they are safer than other fish because they contain lower levels of toxin, such as mercury.
You may be surprised to learn that sardines are one of the most nutrient-rich foods on the planet. They're loaded with vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which offer amazing health benefits.
A study places salmon, sardines and anchovies among the most beneficial types of fish due to their high protein content. Grilled, boiled or steamed, fish is nutritionally far more highly recommended than meat. In fact, there's little that can trump it.
Grilling canned sardines is the perfect way to bring them to life, add some flavour, and give them a little more dignity if the whole 'canned' thing turns you off. Yes, they're already cooked so you just reheat them and give them a little charred edge.