Here’s why tuna and sardines are so good for your health!
Compared to the other animal proteins, fish is by far the best of the lot. Not only is it lower in saturated fat than others, but it contains more Omega-3 fatty acids than any other food on the planet. While most of us prefer fresh fish, there’s a lot to be said for canned fish like tuna and sardines. They’re a cheaper, more easily available option, one that won’t spoil. Here are just a few of the many health benefits of canned fish:
- Weight loss-friendly — A single serving of canned fish contains fewer calories and less fat than a similar amount of red meat. Fish is also a lot more filling, so you don’t need to eat as much to satisfy your appetite. With just a can of sardines or two cans of tuna, you’ll get a solid dose of protein without overdoing it on the calories.
- Lots of Omega-3 fatty acids —Omega-3 fatty acids play many important roles in your body. They help to reduce inflammation, reduce blood triglycerides, improve circulation, provide nourishment for your brain, improve the health of your joints, and so much more. Canned sardines are one of the best sources of Omega-3 fatty acids on the planet, making them one of the best foods to improve your overall health.
- Rich in protein –– If your goal is to lose weight, you need to eat more protein. Protein helps to build more muscle, which in turn increases your daily calorie expenditure. The protein in tuna and sardines will boost your metabolism and help you to build more muscle, as well as burn more calories. It’s a win-win, making fish one of the best foods you can eat!
- Loaded with Vitamin B12 –– Vitamin B12 is one of those nutrients that you can pretty much ONLY get from animal proteins. Fish is one of the best sources of this vitamin, and you can get 100% of your Vitamin B12 daily needs from a single 3-ounce serving of tuna fish. With a can of tuna per day, you can improve your metabolism and enhance your body’s energy production.
READ MORE: Healthy Kosher Fish Options
- Contains niacin –– A single can of fish contains as much as 11 milligrams of niacin, a B vitamin that plays an important role in the health of your heart, skin, nervous system, and digestive system. Niacin can help to lower bad cholesterol, improve your circulation, and reduce your risk of high blood pressure. By eating more tuna, you get more of this important vitamin.
- Packed with Vitamin D –– Vitamin D is a nutrient that your body produces as a result of contact with sunlight, but you can also find it in food sources like sardines. Vitamin D is needed for your body to absorb and use calcium, making it one of the most important nutrients for healthy bones, teeth, and nails. As a bonus, sardines also contain phosphorus, which also helps to nourish and strengthen your bones.
- Boost immunity –– The Omega-3 fatty acids and protein in the canned fish (both tuna and sardines) will enhance your body’s immune response, making you better able to fight off disease and illness.
- Contains selenium –– Selenium can help to boost your immune system, but it will also be an effective method of combatting free radicals. The antioxidant properties of selenium help to reduce free radical and oxidative damage to your body, effectively reducing the effects of aging.
