Carbs. Tuna doesn't contain any carbohydrates, fiber, or sugar.
Fatty fish—such as salmon, mackerel, and albacore tuna—are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats help prevent clogging of the arteries. The American Diabetes Association recommends eating fish twice a week. Choose baked or grilled fish, not fried.
Tuna is an excellent source of protein and rich in saturated and non-saturated fat, does not contain simple sugars, and therefore is a product allowed in the diet of a diabetic.
For tuna varieties, skipjack earns the Best Choice label from the FDA, while yellowfin and albacore receive the Good Choice label. The FDA suggests avoiding bigeye tuna, which has the highest levels of mercury. Before consuming canned tuna, it is best to consult with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
Sardines for Flavor and Nutrients
Per the USDA, 1 oz of canned sardines in oil offers 108 mg of calcium and 1.36 mcg of vitamin D. Those attributes make them an excellent food to include as part of your diabetes diet and your bone health program, as long as you read labels to find brands low in salt.
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.
Like most fish, tuna is very low in carbohydrates, containing almost no sugar or fiber, making it the perfect keto-friendly dish. However, the low amount of fiber found in tuna makes it less likely to fill you up so enhancing your tuna dish with some nutritious greens such as kale or spinach is always encouraged.
Canned, fresh, or frozen white albacore tuna and yellowfin tuna contain slightly more mercury but are also good choices. Though these varieties of tuna are not recommended for children, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding can consume up to 1 serving per week.
Protein-rich foods like eggs can play an important role in regulating blood sugar levels for people with diabetes. Plus, eggs contain many essential vitamins and minerals, and have just 80 calories each.
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), starchy vegetables such as potatoes can be included in the diet of a person with diabetes. The total amount of carbohydrate consumed at any given meal or snack is what is most important.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), canned salmon and canned light tuna are low-mercury foods, while albacore tuna is higher in mercury. The EPA recommends eating up to 12 oz per week of low-mercury foods and only 6 oz per week of high-mercury foods.
Studies have shown that avocados can help people manage their diabetes and improve their overall health in a variety of ways. So, to answer the question, can you eat avocados with diabetes, the answer is yes. Adding avocado to the diet can help people lose weight, lower cholesterol and increase insulin sensitivity.
Peanut butter contains essential nutrients, and it can be part of a healthful diet when a person has diabetes. However, it is important to eat it in moderation, as it contains a lot of calories. People should also make sure their brand of peanut butter is not high in added sugar, salt, or fat.
Also, due to the higher levels of mercury in tuna, if you are eating canned tuna, it is best not to pick fresh tuna as your weekly portion of oily fish. Other fish high in omega-3 fatty acids you could try instead include salmon, mackerel and sardines.
Taste and Texture
Fortunately, canned sardines are not only healthier than canned tuna, but just as tasty (if not tastier) and can easily be used to prepare dishes in the same ways.
Cans, Jars, and Pouches
Generally, you'll find jarred tuna in all the same varieties as canned, although jarred tuna tends to be moister than many tins and comes in bigger pieces.