For good reason, canned tuna is always available in many shops and supermarkets. It’s a nutritious diet choice, versatile, and delicious. Tuna is the third most popular seafood in the United States, after prawns and salmon fish. This popular fish is high in protein and omega-3 fats, and can be eaten sprinkled on a green salad or mashed with mayo in a sandwich.
The only disadvantage of canned tuna fish is that it may contain mercury, which is a recognized toxic substance. You might choose varieties of tuna that are low in mercury. This is particularly important when pregnant, nursing, or preparing food for young children. Let’s learn more about Tuna fish in this blog.
What is Tuna Fish?
5 Best Canned Tuna Fish
1. StarKist Selects White Albacore Tuna
StarKist’s no-salt canned tuna fish keep your sodium levels under control. It has the lowest sodium amount, 65 mg, and only 0.5 mg of fat. It’s important to remember that dietary fat isn’t necessarily bad; our bodies use it for a variety of purposes, including nutrition absorption and energy.
In addition, this wild-caught tuna contains 30 grams of protein and 130 calories per serving, making it great for people controlling their weight or caloric consumption.
2. Wild Planet Albacore Tuna
Wild Planet Albacore Tuna contains 85 mg of salt and 2.5 grams of fat, with no fillers or broth. It’s an excellent choice for salads or sandwiches when you want the tuna flavour to shine. This option is on the expensive side, but customers believe it’s worth it.
3. Whole Foods Market Albacore Tuna
Whole Foods Market Albacore Tuna is packed in water and has 120 mg of salt and 5 grams of fat per serving. The slight fat level, which is likely to include heart-healthy unsaturated fats, promotes digestion and nutritional absorption. You may get these cans at your local Whole Foods or on Amazon.
4. Safe Catch Elite Wild Tuna
contains 210mg of sodium and 0 grams of fat per serving. Not only does it contain high-quality protein and minerals, but the company claims to test each tuna for mercury and says that their tunas are consistently 10 times lower than the FDA action limit.
They do not utilise any fillers, oils, or water in their cans; instead, they are wrapped in tuna’s natural oils. Customers enjoy the flavour and texture of this tuna, as well as the lower mercury content.
5. Genova Premium Albacore Tuna
Genova Premium Albacore Tuna will provide a more moist and tender bite, but it has more fat (11g) and sodium (280mg) than its water-packed equivalents. Although higher in fat, it’s crucial to note that it’s canned in olive oil, which contains monounsaturated fats that are good for your heart.
Because the fish is packed in olive oil, it’s almost ready to eat when you open the can; however, you can drain the oil and add mayo or other toppings.
Health Risks Associated With Canned Tuna
Certain types of tuna are high in mercury. High mercury levels are toxic to the baby during pregnancy and to young children during phases of brain development. In these circumstances, excessive levels of mercury have been related to poorer intellect, cognitive difficulties, and motor skill issues.
Albacore is a larger fish that lives longer than skipjack tuna. Large albacore tuna absorb more mercury throughout their lives than smaller fish such as skipjack. That explains why canned albacore tuna contains higher mercury than canned skipjack tuna. The FDA recommends limiting your intake of some canned tuna varieties. To limit mercury intake from tuna, follow these guidelines:
- For optimal nutrition, consume 2-3 servings of canned light skipjack tuna each week.
- Consume one serving of yellowfin or white albacore tuna every week.
- Avoid eating bigeye tuna. It may also be known as ahi tuna.
Conclusion
Canned tuna is a popular and nutritious fish, high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. However, due to probable mercury contamination, it is critical to choose types with reduced mercury levels, particularly for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children.
StarKist Selects White Albacore Tuna has a low sodium content, Wild Planet Albacore Tuna is pure, Whole Foods Market Albacore Tuna has a balanced fat content, Safe Catch Elite Wild Tuna has undergone rigorous mercury testing, and Genova Premium Albacore Tuna has a rich flavour and heart-healthy olive oil.