Q. What’s the difference between a piano and a fish?
A. You can tune a piano, but you can’t tuna fish.
Did you know that today was World Tuna Day? The day has been recognised by the United Nations since 2017, to underline the importance of conservation management and sustainable fisheries to prevent tuna stocks from depletion.
Many countries depend heavily on tuna resources for food security and nutrition, economic development, employment, government revenue, livelihoods, culture and recreation.
Not only is tuna tasty and reasonably priced, it also has remarkable health benefits that justify eating it on a regular basis. Here are some of the nutrients in tuna and how they can improve your health outcomes.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Fish is always touted as being healthy because of its high omega-3 content. Among some of the benefits of omega-3 is that it helps fight age-related mental decline and Alzheimer’s disease. There are several scientific studies that link a higher omega-3 intake to a decrease in age-related mental decline and a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s. Omega-3 fatty acids can also help fight inflammation and autoimmune diseases, improve risk factors for heart disease and improve eye health.
Vitamin B
B vitamins play a vital role in maintaining good health and well-being, and tuna contains high levels of most of the important B vitamins. As the building blocks of a healthy body, B vitamins have a direct impact on your energy levels, brain function and cell metabolism. In particular, older adults require higher amount of B vitamins, which is often why many consider taking supplements, but tuna is also a very good source.
Magnesium
Another macro-mineral that many people take in supplements is magnesium, but tuna is also a very good natural source of this important mineral. An adequate intake of magnesium can help prevent problems with bones, diabetes and issues with your cardiovascular system. Magnesium helps the bones to absorb calcium and plays a role in activating vitamin D in the kidneys.
Zinc
Zinc is vital for a healthy immune system and for helping wounds to heal. It has also been found to decrease the risk of age-related chronic disease and inflammatory diseases. Zinc also prevents cellular damage in the retina and helps prevent age-related macular degeneration.
Are you planning on eating tuna for World Tuna Day? What are your favourite tuna recipes?
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