While canned sardines are a low-mercury fish choice, Manaker notes, "eating them frequently—as in more than four times a week—may be a concern, since you could potentially be exposed to too much [mercury]."
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. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.
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.
Even a mild vitamin B12 deficiency can cause symptoms including nerve damage, impaired mental function, difficulty supplying cells with oxygen and chronic fatigue. Fortunately, just one can of sardines goes above and beyond your daily vitamin B12 needs, providing 137 percent of the amount that you need in a day.
Too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure, stroke, and heart disease —but “in the context of a varied diet, [tinned fish] likely won't make too much of a difference,” Rumsey says. Basically, if you don't eat it every day, at every meal, you're probably good.
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 may wish to try other affordable fish in the “Best Choices” category such as canned salmon or sardines, frozen fish, or fresh fish that are at a reduced price. 3.
But methylmercury is a powerful neurotoxin, so eating too much fish may result in mercury poisoning. Symptoms include itching or a pins-and-needles feeling in the toes and fingertips, muscle weakness, coordination, speech and hearing impairment, and reduced peripheral vision.
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 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.
In most cases, yes. Canned and fresh sardines provide similar nutrition when it comes to the nutrients mentioned above. When buying canned sardines, look for those packed in water or pure olive oil for the healthiest choice.
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 in water VS oil: which one is better? Sardines in olive oil taste better - arguably. Sardines in water have roughly half as much fat, but the amount of saturated fat isn't a lot higher in olive oil-packed sardines. In other words sardines in olive oil have more fat, but it's the good stuff.
Sardines are a small, oily fish that's packed with nutrition. If you're wary of the health benefits of canned foods, you can rest assured that sardines have a lot to offer. In addition to being high in quality protein and healthy fats, sardines are a great source of iron and calcium.
Sardines do not have a lot of mercury in them, so they're healthier in that regard. They mostly survive on plankton. They offer high values in vitamins B2, B12, and D. These fish also contain a fair amount of omega-3 fatty acids, potassium, and phosphorous.
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.
The bottom line. While fresh sardines are the better choice, we recognize that this choice isn't always available. To get the most health benefits from your canned sardines, shop with care. Look for sardines packed in water, and if you can't find a brand without any added salt, simply give them a good rinse.
While canned sardines are a low-mercury fish choice, Manaker notes, "eating them frequently—as in more than four times a week—may be a concern, since you could potentially be exposed to too much [mercury]."
Sardines are a healthy convenience food that is rich in omega-3's, vitamin D, protein and calcium. They're a cost-effective way to get in a whole host of nutrients! Plus, it's fairly simple to make them taste good.
Sardines are one of the most powerful anti-aging foods to help you get enough vitamin D.
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. They contain a great source of calcium and Vitamin D, so they support bone health, too.
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.
Sardines can be consumed at night but some people at times experience indigestion. In that case, better to consume during lunch or any other time apart from dinner to enjoy the health benefits.
Five of the most commonly eaten fish that are low in mercury are shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish. Another commonly eaten fish, albacore ("white") tuna, has more mercury than canned light tuna.
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).