Canned tuna is an excellent source of omega-3 essential fatty acids DHA and EPA. As you can see in the chart above, it's an even better source than fresh tuna. A diet rich in omega-3s is associated with an overall lower risk of heart disease, lower inflammation levels, and lower blood triglycerides.
Omega-3s aren't destroyed in the canning process, so you're not sacrificing heart health for convenience. If fish are canned in oil, however, some of the omega-3 fats can migrate into the surrounding oil, to be lost when the fish are drained.
Preference of Coldwater Fish in Canned Products. Coldwater fish from the polar regions is especially rich in long-chain omega-3 FA. The most common species (herring, salmon, blue-fin tuna, mackerel, anchovies, sardines) are also available in canned products and as deep-frozen food.
Canned light tuna is in the “Best Choices” category and it is fine to eat 2 to 3 servings per week. We recommend that you eat a variety of fish.
According to the administration, adults can typically consume two to three 4-ounce servings of light tuna each week. However, if you choose albacore tuna, you should limit your consumption to only one 4-ounce serving per week — and refrain from eating any other fish.
A serving of salmon can contain as much as 1-2 grams of omega-3s, while tuna usually contains less than half a gram per serving. However, tuna is still a good source of omega-3s—you just have to eat it more frequently to meet your daily omega-3 requirements.
A can of light tuna in oil (drained) contains 8.1 grams of fat and 128 milligrams of omega-3 fats. For higher levels of omega-3 fats, use albacore (white) tuna. One 3.5-ounce serving of water-packed albacore (drained) contains 2.5 grams of fat and 706 milligrams of omega-3 fats.
Which Fish Have the Most Omega-3? Skipjack, or light tuna, has a lower level of Omega-3 than albacore, but is still a rich source of the most efficiently used Omega-3s (EPA and DHA). Fish with even higher levels of Omega-3 than tuna are wild salmon, rainbow trout, and sardines.
Still, tuna is high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and Vitamins B and A. This fish is also a good source of iron, phosphorous, and selenium. Sardines do not have a lot of mercury in them, so they're healthier in that regard. They mostly survive on plankton.
Oil vs Water
Tuna packed in water will contain fewer calories and less fat but also allows for the loss of omega 3 fatty acids to occur. Water-packed also dilutes the natural juices and flavors contained within the fish and can lead to a more rounded and less refined taste.
The tuna sandwich is a lunchbox staple. But several species of tuna — like other large ocean fish — contain higher-than-average amounts of mercury, a highly toxic metal that can cause severe health effects.
If you're counting calories and maximizing omega-3 fatty acids, then tuna in water might make a great choice. On the other hand, if moisture, flavor, and vitamin D levels are your focus, then olive oil-packed tuna might be better. Whatever tuna you choose, it's important not to go overboard for this mild-flavored fish.
Avocados have a very high fat content, but they are also very high in omega 3 fatty acids in the form of alpha-linolenic acid. This is considered “good” unsaturated fat and accounts for about three-quarters of the calories in an avocado.
You bet they do. Eggs are mother nature's incredible and edible source of Omega-3 fatty acids, providing on average, 180mg per serve (2 eggs). Of this amount, 114mg is the long-chain type of omega-3 fatty acid – which represents between 71-127% of the desired intake for adults.
All eggs contain some omega-3 fats from the chickens' natural feed, roughly 25 mgs each of DHA and ALA. Given that the studies about omega-3 benefits suggest the consumption of 500 to 1000 mg DHA and EPA combined, the amount in eggs is inconsequential.
Both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids can be found in EVOO, and the former plays a significant role in preventing cardiovascular disease. It is usually found in fatty fish like salmon, so extra virgin olive oil acts as a plant-based source of omega-3.
Veggies including seaweed and algae, brussels sprouts, spinach, broccoli etc. are excellent vegetable sources of omega 3.
Since 1/4 cup of walnuts (12-14 halves or 1 ounce) have approximately 2.5 grams of plant-based omega-3 ALA,7 having just a handful of walnuts alone as a snack, or as a topping to salads, yogurt or oatmeal is a simple way to increase your intake of ALA.
Tuna: if you are trying for a baby or are pregnant, you should have no more than 4 cans of tuna a week or no more than 2 tuna steaks a week. This is because tuna contains higher levels of mercury than other fish. If you are breastfeeding, there is no limit on how much tuna you can eat.
Canned light tuna is low in mercury and is considered one of the best choices for individuals that need to limit their exposure to mercury. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding can consume 2–3 servings of canned light tuna per week and children can consume 2 servings per week.
The United States Food and Drug Administration recommends keeping the consumption of albacore (white) tuna to under 4 ounces per week and skipjack (light) tuna to under 12 ounces per week. These amounts should be lower for children and women who are or may become pregnant.