The sea is a home to so many creatures. This is where some of us earn a living. That’s right, fisherman depend on seafood to pay their bills, and we depend on it to provide us with nutritious meals. One of the healthiest fish in the sea is tuna, which can help treat various illnesses. This article will give you more insight into this amazing fish, so keep reading to learn more!
Knowing More About Tuna…
Tuna is one of the most popular fish in the world and one of the most desirable fish on the market today. They have a delightful taste, are globally convenient to access and offer a lot of health benefits which make them a great substitute for red meat.
Tuna comes from the Scombridae family of fish, a family which also includes albacore and bonito and is commonly referred to as the Mackerel group. They can be anywhere from 1 foot to 15 feet long when fully grown, and although their life span averages 3-5 years, they have been known to live for up to 20! There are approximately 15 different species of tuna, many of which are loved all over the world for their culinary uses. Tuna migrate thousands of miles according to their mating patterns and the changing of the seasons, and they are pretty easy to fish because they organize themselves in large columns near the water’s surface.
Although each species may be used differently, most have the same health benefits.
Nutritional Facts About Tuna
One cup of tuna (150 grams) contains:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
| Calories | 179/749 kJ | 9% |
| Protein | 39.3 grams | 79% |
| Carbohydrates | 0.0 gram | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 gram | 0% |
| Starch | 0.0 gram | – |
| Sugars | 0.0 gram | – |
| Vitamins | ||
| Vitamin A | 87.8 IU | 2% |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.5 milligrams | 27% |
| Vitamin B12 | 4.6 micrograms | 77% |
| Vitamin C | 0.0 milligram | 0% |
| Vitamin D | – | – |
| Vitamin E | 0.5 milligrams | 3% |
| Vitamin K | 0.3 micrograms | 0% |
| Niacin | 20.5 milligrams | 102% |
| Riboflavin | 0.1 milligram | 7% |
| Thiamin | 0.0 milligram | 3% |
| Betaine | 4.2 milligrams | – |
| Choline | 45.1 milligrams | – |
| Pantothenic Acid | 0.3 milligrams | 3% |
| Folate | 6.2 micrograms | 2% |
| Vitamins | ||
| Fluoride | 28.6 micrograms | – |
| Selenium | 124 micrograms | 177% |
| Manganese | 0.0 milligrams | 1% |
| Copper | 0.1 milligrams | 4% |
| Zinc | 1.2 milligrams | 8% |
| Sodium | 521 milligrams | 22% |
| Potassium | 365 milligrams | 10% |
| Magnesium | 41.6 milligrams | 10% |
| Iron | 2.4 milligrams | 13% |
| Calcium | 16.9 milligrams | 2% |
| Fats and Fatty Acids | ||
| Total Fat | 1.3 grams | 2% |
| Polyunsaturated Fats | 0.5 grams | – |
| Saturated Fats | 1.3 grams | – |
| Monounsaturated Fats | 0.2 grams | – |
| Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 13.9 milligrams | – |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 433 milligrams | – |
| Other | ||
| Water | 115 grams | – |
| Caffeine | 0.0 milligrams | – |
| Alcohol | 0.0 gram | – |
| Cholesterol | 46.2 milligrams | – |
| Ash | 2.3 grams | – |
Health Benefits of Tuna
Here are some of the most staggering health benefits of tuna:
- Helps treat depression: research suggests that eating tuna or fish may help reduce depression, particularly in women.
- Helps reduce inflammation: the anti-inflammatory properties, healthy cholesterol and vitamins and minerals in tuna may help reduce stress levels in the body, which ensures enhanced bodily functions.
- Helps treat kidney diseases: the sodium and potassium content of tuna is essential in managing balance of fluids throughout the body, which will ensure your kidneys function properly.
- Helps prevent cancer: this is one of the best health benefits of tuna. Its selenium and other nutritional components are key factors in this.
- Aids in blood circulation: the iron content of tuna is high, making it perfect for the formation of red blood cells. We know that iron is important in properly oxygenating the extremities and vital organ systems of the body.
- Helps boost immunity: the zinc, manganese and vitamin C content of tuna is beneficial in getting rid of free radicals in the body and boosting the immune system.
- Aids in weight loss: there is a low content of calories, fat and omega-3 fatty acids in tuna, thus making it essential in stimulating leptin. This hormone balances food intake, which helps with weight loss.
