Every now and then we come across a new recipe or way to eat canned Tuna, being easy to prepare and known for having great health benefits makes canned tuna a great snack and ingredient to have. Being one of the most popular varieties of seafood, people cannot get their hands off this dish. It is low calorie - one can of tuna has about 142 calories and 32 grams of protein. It has also been shown to be cholesterol-friendly with a low amount of saturated fats! But is that all there is to it? Some studies suggest that not all types of tuna are cholesterol-friendly and may contain something more concerning.Other Components of FishMany varieties are also rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower harmful cholesterol levels. However, it's important to be mindful of potential contaminants and choose the right type of tuna. Some types of tuna, particularly albacore, can contain higher levels of mercury. Excessive mercury exposure can be harmful, especially for pregnant women and young children. Therefore, it's advisable to opt for light tuna or yellowfin tuna, which typically have lower mercury levels. Another concern is the presence of bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical compound that can disrupt hormone function and cognitive development. While BPA is often associated with plastic products, it can also be found in the linings of food cans. To minimize exposure, choose canned tuna products labeled as BPA-free.How Much Mercury Does A Can Of Tuna Contain?According to the National Library Of Medicine, to ensure food safety and public health, they continue to monitor the levels of mercury in seafood, especially in products like canned tuna as many people enjoy it all over the country. Mercury contamination can create significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and young children. The results revealed that the average total mercury and methylmercury concentrations in the 2015 samples were 177.4 parts per billion (ppb) and 143.7 ppb, respectively. These levels show a significant decrease of 34.2 ppb and 29.5 ppb compared to measurements taken in 2009. While the highest concentration of total mercury was 315.2 ppb and methylmercury was 267.9 ppb, all samples remained below the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL) set by regulatory authorities.These findings suggest that the mercury levels in canned tuna from the Persian Gulf have been declining over time, which is a positive sign. However, ongoing monitoring and regulation are essential to maintain these low levels and protect public health.To help people understand how much fish to consume based on their portion sizes, any medical condition etc, the U.S. Food and Drug Association released an advisory for people, especially those who are breastfeeding or are caregivers to young children. They also released a Chart that can help you keep tabs and understand what kind of fish is good for you and your family. Some hints that can help you navigate the chart are that you should aim to consume 2-3 servings per week of fish from the "Best Choices" category. This includes fish like salmon, trout, and sardines, which are low in mercury and high in omega-3 fatty acids. You can enjoy 1 serving per week of fish from the "Good Choices" category, such as shrimp and tilapia. However, avoid consuming other fish during that week. Refrain from consuming fish from the "Choices to Avoid" category, such as shark, swordfish, and tilefish, as they tend to have higher levels of mercury.
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