Tuna, a firm-fleshed fish that's available in budget-friendly cans to high-end sushi, is also a superfood. From a nutritional standpoint, tuna is a treasure-trove, containing plenty of protein, vitamins, and healthy fats. As a bonus, tuna is also a flexible ingredient that's tasty both raw or fresh off the grill.
Yes, canned tuna is a healthful food rich in protein and contains many vitamins and minerals such as B-Complex vitamins, Vitamins A and D as well as iron, selenium and phosphorus. Tuna also contains healthy omega 3 essential fatty acids DHA and EPA.
Tuna is especially abundant in omega 3 fatty acids. They're brilliant for the body and are thought to help lower cholesterol, boost brain function and improve eye health. It's an excellent source of vitamin B12.
Fresh and canned tuna provide the same good omega-3 fats. However, canned tuna can be higher in sodium, fat and calories if it is packed in brine or oil. So be sure to choose canned tuna in water to minimise the sodium and fat content.
Tuna is an excellent source B vitamins, which your body uses to convert food into energy, and a serving of tuna also contains almost 25 grams of protein, which will keep you awake and alert.
Eating more than the advised amount of tuna each week can result in increased exposure to the neurotoxin. Mercury poisoning can cause several concerning neurological symptoms, including coordination loss, memory problems, seizures, and tremors.
For tuna varieties, skipjack earns the Best Choice label from the FDA, while yellowfin and albacore receive the Good Choice label. The FDA suggests avoiding bigeye tuna, which has the highest levels of mercury. Before consuming canned tuna, it is best to consult with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
If you're counting calories and maximizing omega-3 fatty acids, then tuna in water might make a great choice. On the other hand, if moisture, flavor, and vitamin D levels are your focus, then olive oil-packed tuna might be better. Whatever tuna you choose, it's important not to go overboard for this mild-flavored fish.
The best sources of marine omega-3s are fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel. Eating a 3- to 6-ounce serving of these fish two to four times a week is recommended for lowering inflammation and protecting the heart.
Have you heard of the mood-boosting benefits of B vitamins? Tuna has plenty of these, incluiding B12, which has been associated with healthy mood and a lifting of depression. B vitamins work directly with your brain and nervous system to keep your mood positive. In particular, Vitamin B12 keeps your brain in balance.
Nutrition. Tuna is one of the best dietary sources of vitamin D. Just 3 ounces of canned tuna yield as much as 50% of the recommended daily level. Vitamin D is necessary for bone health, strengthening the immune system against disease, and ensuring optimal growth in children.
Is this okay? Yes. Canned light tuna is in the “Best Choices” category and it is fine to eat 2 to 3 servings per week. We recommend that you eat a variety of fish.
You would have to eat around 25 tins (at 95g a tin) of it a week before you hit the maximum tolerable intake of mercury. For pregnant people (or people trying to get pregnant), the limit would be around 12 tins (at 95g a tin) a week. It is unlikely many consumers will reach these limits.
Processed foods: When ingredients such as oil, sugar or salt are added to foods and they are packaged, the result is processed foods. Examples are simple bread, cheese, tofu, and canned tuna or beans. These foods have been altered, but not in a way that's detrimental to health.
Canned tuna is perfectly safe to eat directly out of the can, with no further preparation necessary; however, rinsing the tuna before eating it can remove excess sodium, and in the case of tuna that is packed in oil, rinsing it can remove some of the excess calories.
Draining the oil cuts down on excess calories for weight-conscious consumers, but there may be a resulting loss of nutrition. One theory knocking about is that the beneficial fats in tuna may bond with healthy olive or avocado packing oils, which are therefore eliminated when you drain the can, explains Clean Plates.
SAFCOL TUNA
The South Australian Fishermans Co-Operative Limited (S.A.F.C.O.L.)
The bottom line. Overall, salmon offers higher levels of brain-boosting omega-3 fats, and much higher levels of bone-strengthening calcium. While tuna contains less of these, it's still a good source of omega-3 fats and an excellent source of hunger-busting protein.
Also, due to the higher levels of mercury in tuna, if you are eating canned tuna, it is best not to pick fresh tuna as your weekly portion of oily fish. Other fish high in omega-3 fatty acids you could try instead include salmon, mackerel and sardines.
Canned white, or albacore (0.32 parts per million of mercury). Children under six can eat up to one 3-ounce portion a month; children from 6-12, two 4.5-ounce portions a month. Adults, including pregnant women, can safely eat this kind of tuna up to three times a month (women, 6-ounce portions; men, 8-ounce portions).
The science shows that there is no reason bodybuilders should cut tuna out of their diets due to the current mercury scare. One can of chunk lite a day is a reasonable and safe intake for a 200lbs man without the risks of any health problems.