Health Benefits of Tuna
Rose May Pimentel in Health
Jul 28, 2022 • 3 min Read
Tuna is one of the most popular varieties of seafood and an excellent source of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s versatile, delicious, inexpensive, and healthy.
Fresh, frozen, or canned, the meat of tuna fish is widely used in salads, wraps, chargrilled dishes, or cooked as steak. In the Philippines, canned tuna is used as viand for rice, topping for crackers, or spread for bread or buns.
Here are some of the amazing benefits of tuna fish, from Organic Facts:
1. May Improve Heart Health
The most common health benefit of tuna fish is its significant impact on heart health. On reducing coronary heart diseases, this fish has high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which may help reduce omega-6 fatty acids, LDL, or bad cholesterol in the arteries and blood vessels. It often replaces foods with high saturated fat content, thus lowering the risk of heart diseases.
2. May Improve Blood Pressure
The possible anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce blood pressure. Potassium, which may be found in tuna, is a possible vasodilator and may be good for lowering blood pressure. Reduced hypertension can significantly boost your health by lowering the strain on your cardiovascular system, and help prevent heart attacks and strokes, and conditions like atherosclerosis.
3. May Aid in Weight Loss
Tuna fish is possibly low in calories and fat, yet loaded with nutrients like protein. The omega-3 fatty acids found may stimulate a hormone called leptin, which balances the body’s food intake and can reduce overeating to ensure that your body is only consuming what it needs. According to a study, omega-3 is associated with increases in leptin in people with obesity, thus may prevent these individuals from regaining weight following weight loss from calorie restriction.
4. May Aid in Boosting the Immune System
Tuna contains a good amount of vitamin C, zinc, and manganese, all considered antioxidants in nature. Antioxidants are one of the body’s defense mechanisms against free radicals, the harmful by-products of cellular metabolism that cause chronic diseases. The real champion of tuna’s immune system-boosting potential is selenium. Tuna is rich in minerals, giving nearly 200% of the daily requirement in a single serving. Thus, it’s a powerful antioxidant and immune-boosting food.
5. Potentially Anti-Cancer Properties
Tuna fish has antioxidant properties, thanks to selenium and other nutrients, making it effective at preventing some types of cancer. A study in the American Association for Cancer Research suggested that fatty fish variety consumption may decrease the risk for colorectal cancer.
6. May Provide Relief in Kidney Diseases
The potassium and sodium content in tuna is well-balanced, high in potassium, and low in sodium. This helps manage the fluid balance in the body. When a body fluid is balanced, the kidneys function properly, thereby lowering the chances of developing serious kidney conditions.
7. May Aid in Relieving Depression
Omega-3 fatty acids in tuna make its intake good for relieving depression. A study suggests that fish consumption may be beneficial for women’s mental health, It can reduce depression levels. According to a meta-analysis published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, there is strong evidence showing that omega-3 may alleviate symptoms of bipolar depression.
Indeed, tuna is a nutritional powerhouse. Start incorporating it as a meat replacement for your much-loved Pinoy dishes and enjoy its benefits!
Stay healthy and safe!
