Tuna is one of the best sources of selenium and the fact that is one of the every few abundant sources of Vitamin D available really ups its game. Furthermore, tuna is a chockfull of omega 3 fatty acids which are essential to the body for the optimization of a number of functions. However, tuna is not all good. There is a flipside to the story as well. Tuna is mostly consumed in canned form and canned tuna consists of a substantial amount of mercury which can be highly detrimental for health.
The risks associated with consumption of canned tuna can be both short term and long term and can have the resulting impact of rendering a person to hospitalization or of being fatal.
Mercury is a metal that is found in canned tuna and can be extremely toxic even in small doses and possibly fatal too. If high levels of methylmercury make their way into the blood of young children, including infants and fetuses, it can possibly impair their nervous system functioning to quite an extent. A research conducted by the FDA came to the conclusion that Albacore Tuna (white canned tuna) consists of a higher amount of mercury than does light tuna and hence its consumption should be limited or avoided. With canned tuna under consideration, various research conducted have found out that solid white and chunk white tuna are consistent of greater mercury levels than chunk light tuna.
Nitrites are commonly used in canned foods as preservatives as they prevent the growth of various bacteria such as botulinum in many smoked fish products. The existence of nitrites in canned foods especially canned tuna is quite the dilemma, as the presence of it can increase risk of cancer while an absence of nitrites can lead to botulism poisoning, which can possibly paralyze the muscoskeletal and respiratory systems.
Sodium is a type of mineral more commonly used in salt and also to add some level of flavor to foods and extend the shelf life of certain products. A high level of sodium intake can increases chances of high blood pressure and strokes. However, you can consume canned tuna and ensure low level of sodium intake at the same time by making sure you pick the cans which have labels specifying they are low in sodium.
Bisphenol –A is a substance used by many manufactures of cans and other kinds of containers for foods. These substances can carry the impact of increasing risk of cellular developmental abnormalities. If these substances get transferred from a mother onto her fetus, it can lead to reproduction related abnormalities and accelerate the females puberty cycle.
It has been found that light canned tuna has the lowest levels of mercury.
Children who weigh 40 pounds and above may consume 1 can of light canned tuna over the course of 11 days. Conversely, children who weight less than 40 pounds should consume 1 light canned tuna over the course of about a month.
Like all foods, the consumption of tuna can lead to several health benefits if consumed in moderation. The Environmental Protection Agency suggests that an estimate of 2 cans a week for individual’s above110 pounds is safe for consumption.
