Sardines are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and potassium. A new review suggests that sardines may be a good, affordable alternative to fish oil supplements.
A 3-ounce serving of canned sardines delivers about 740 milligrams of DHA and 450 milligrams of EPA—nearly four times the minimum recommended amount. For comparison, a typical fish oil supplement provides about 1,000 milligrams of fish oil, containing 120 milligrams of DHA and 180 milligrams of EPA.
According to the AHA, if you want the full omega-3 fatty acid health benefits, then fish reigns supreme. "Studies have shown that fish, in addition to providing cardiovascular benefits, is loaded with healthy vitamins and minerals as well as protein that you just can't get from fish oil supplements," says Dodson.
A Harvard study found that consuming just one to two servings of sardines every week provides enough omega-3 fatty acids to reduce your chances of heart disease by more than one-third.
Sardines
“They're a wonderful source of omega-3 fatty acids, they're caught in the wild and they're cheap.” 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.
There are a whole lot of options when it comes to sardines, but the best are packed in olive oil. 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.
Sardines, Pacific (wild-caught)
It packs more omega-3s (1,950 mg!) per 3-ounce serving than salmon, tuna, or just about any other food; it's also one of the very, very few foods that's naturally high in vitamin D. Many fish in the herring family are commonly called sardines.
Entrepreneur and VC Craig Cooper swears by eating 5 cans of sardines a day. (And loves a 22-minute power nap.) Being an entrepreneur means doing things differently: Creating new products and services. Finding new ways to solve old problems.
The fact that a serving of sardines serves up a whopping 136% the RDV certainly helps its case as a superfood. In fact, sardines seem to be a sort of Swiss army knife for preventing common vitamin deficiencies.
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. They mostly survive on plankton.
Safety and side effects
However, fish oil supplements can cause mild side effects, including: A fishy aftertaste. Bad breath. Heartburn, nausea or diarrhea.
Although fish oil supplements don't lower the rate of heart attack or stroke, they may be recommended in some situations. Specifically, EPA and DHA can be used to help lower triglycerides in people with very high triglycerides (over 500 mg/dL), who are at risk for complications such as pancreatitis.
Anchovies have slightly more omega-3s, B vitamins and minerals than sardines, and are a little lower in fat and cholesterol.
They're packed in pro-inflammatory oils
Since people are often looking to sardines as an anti-inflammatory food, it's important to know that canned sardines are often packed in unhealthy oils that may negate the healthy oils.
Both krill oil and fish oil may help limit risk factors linked to heart disease, including triglyceride (blood fat) and cholesterol levels. Some evidence suggests krill oil may be better absorbed than fish oil.
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
Omega 3s are good fats, and contributes to about 30% the brain's weight, and alter dopamine and serotonin, which are brain chemicals linked to mood. Adding omega 3s to your diet is good for your brain's health, and keeps brain cells flexible and have it work more efficiently.
And if you're looking for a healthy and delicious way to add more fish to your diet, sardines should be at the top of your list. As with any food, it's best to eat them in moderation—eating sardines two to three days a week is a safe and healthy option.
Sardines are one of the most powerful anti-aging foods to help you get enough vitamin D.
They are actually very rich in: Omega-3 fatty acids. This source of healthy fat is popular for its known benefits to heart health. In addition to this, studies have shown that it may help with the prevention and management of erectile dysfunction, an issue that may occur in men as they age if they are not proactive.
They are a low-mercury fish, making them safe to eat during pregnancy and lactation (nursing). Since sardines are highly perishable, meaning they go bad quickly, they are most often found canned. Thankfully, canned sardines are still packed with important nutrients.
While they are both excellent sources of protein and add to your nutrient profile, the benefits of fish tend to be slightly higher than chicken, especially when it comes to the Omega-3 content in it.
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.