TUNA

Benefits of Tuna Fish

High in Protein

Aids in Weight Loss

Promotes Thyroid Health

Boosts Brain Function

Rich in Antioxidants

Reduces Inflammation

1. High in Protein

Protein is essential to many aspects of health. It makes up the foundation of your hair, skin, nails and muscles; is crucial for the synthesis of certain enzymes and hormones; and is used for the growth and repair of tissues. Not only that, but a protein deficiency can also have detrimental effects on health, resulting in symptoms like impaired immunity, slow wound healing, low energy levels and an increased appetite.

Tuna meat is literally loaded with protein with 42 grams in each can. Combined with just a few other high-protein foods, including even one serving of tuna fish in your diet can help provide your body with the protein that you need.

2. Aids in Weight Loss

Tuna fish is high in protein but low in calories, making it an excellent addition to a weight loss diet. Thanks to its high protein content, in particular, tuna can help reduce your appetite, ward off cravings and keep you feeling fuller for longer.

One study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that eating a high-protein meal led to greater reductions in levels of ghrelin, the hormone responsible for stimulating hunger, than a high-carb meal. It also slowed gastric emptying, resulting in increased satiety. (1) Another study from the University of Washington School of Medicine found that upping protein intake by just 15 percent decreased daily caloric intake by 441 calories and caused a significant reduction in body weight and fat mass. (2)

3. Promotes Thyroid Health

Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that’s responsible for regulating your metabolism, producing hormones and maintaining energy levels. Impaired thyroid function can cause serious symptoms, such as changes in weight, body temperature, bowel habits, sexual function and focus. (3)

Tuna nutrition is high in selenium, a mineral that plays a central role in the health of your thyroid gland. In fact, the thyroid gland is considered the organ with the highest amount of selenium per gram of tissue. Multiple studies have found that selenium supplementation may be beneficial for conditions like autoimmune thyroiditis, Graves’ disease and hypothyroidism. (4)

4. Boosts Brain Function

It’s no secret that what you eat can directly impact several aspects of health. In recent years, however, more and more mounting evidence has begun to demonstrate just how crucial your diet may be when it comes to the health of your brain.

Tuna fish is high in several nutrients that have been directly linked to brain health. Niacin, in particular, has been linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease and age-related decline. (5) Tuna fish is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can boost cognitive performance and may be protective against mental health problems like depression. (6, 7)

5. Rich in Antioxidants

Antioxidants are compounds that can help neutralize harmful free radicals to protect against cell damage and chronic disease. A higher intake of antioxidants is thought to prevent the development of conditions like heart disease, diabetes, cancer and certain autoimmune disorders. (8)

Tuna is packed with antioxidant-rich selenium, providing 190 percent of the daily recommended value for selenium in each can. Selenium has antioxidant properties and can help reduce oxidative stress and prevent damage to cells. (9) According to a study published in the World Journal of Biological Chemistry, tuna is also high in a selenium-containing compound called selenoneine, which fights off free radicals and could even protect against chronic disease and aging. (10)

6. Reduces Inflammation

Inflammation is a normal response by the immune system that can help fight off foreign invaders and protect the body from illness and infection. Long-term inflammation, on the other hand, has actually been tied to an increased risk of certain diseases like cancer and heart disease. (11)

Tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, or fish oil, which may be able to alleviate inflammation and reduce the risk of disease. In fact, one of the primary ways that fish oil benefits health is through its potent anti-inflammatory properties, and multiple studies have shown that it could be therapeutic for autoimmune conditions like Crohn’s disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. (12)