Health Benefits of Tuna Fish

By Tara Hari

Tuna is one of the healthiest foods that should necessarily be added to your everyday diet. It is an excellent source of high quality protein which is low in fat. It is dense in nutrients, as it contains minerals like potassium, selenium and magnesium. It is rich in vitamin B complex and omega-3 fatty acids which are crucial to a healthy diet. Tuna is beneficial for our health in numerous ways. It reduces the symptoms of depression and ADHD, boosts the immune system, protects the heart, promotes brain health and relieves joint pain. Seafood, especially tuna, is the only natural source of DHA and EPA, a special type of omega-3 fatty acid that promotes both heart and brain health.

Let us examine the health benefits of tuna in detail.

Prevents Cancer
Vitamin E and Selenium present in tuna will help prevent some forms of cancer such as cancer in the pancreas, and every organ in the digestive tract like mouth, stomach, oesophagus, larynx and colon. The omega-3 fatty acid present in tuna prevents breast cancer and lowers the risk of contracting leukaemia.

Maintains Eye Health
A condition called macular degeneration, which causes vision to deteriorate which results in central vision loss, is the main cause of blindness in people over the age of 50. The omega-3 fatty acid present in tuna prevents the occurrence of this condition. Tuna also protects individuals from dry eye syndrome which is a significant ocular complaint.

Weight Loss
Fifty percent of your daily protein requirement can be derived from a 3-ounce serving of tuna fish, which is only 110 calories. By replacing fatty meats with tuna as your main source of protein, you can effectively control your weight, as you will be saving hundreds of calories. But weight loss is dependent on the mode of consumption, as drowning tuna in mayonnaise will not lead to weight loss.

Detoxification
Selenium present in tuna is an important ingredient in the production of glutathione peroxidase. This essential antioxidant is necessary for a healthy liver. Liver is the organ whose function it is to detoxify and rid the body of harmful compounds like pesticides, drugs, and heavy metals.

Protects Heart Health
Consumption of tuna will cause a significant decrease in the risk of contracting a cardiovascular disease. Omega-3 fatty acids also helps in the reduction of blood clots and prevents the occurrence of heart attacks and strokes. It also prevents inflammation and the conversion of cholesterol to artery-clogging plaques.

Brain Health
Making tuna a part of regular diet will help prevent cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. This is because omega-3 fatty acid prevents inflammation and promotes blood supply to the brain. Niacin present in tuna also plays an important role in delaying age-related cognitive decline and reduces the likelihood of contracting Alzheimer's disease.

Thus, we see that tuna is a highly nutritious fish, whose consumption has numerous health benefits due to high protein, vitamin, minerals and beneficial fat content.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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