Sardines have a richer and more versatile mineral profile compared to tuna. Sardine is richer in phosphorus, zinc, copper, calcium, and iron. In addition to that, sardine has higher amounts of sodium than tuna. On the other hand, tuna is richer in magnesium and has a lower sodium content.
“You can't go wrong with sardines,” says Zumpano. “They're a wonderful source of omega-3 fatty acids, they're caught in the wild and they're cheap.” Sardines provide 2 grams of heart-healthy omega-3s per 3 ounce serving, which is one of the highest levels of omega-3 and the lowest levels of mercury of any fish.
Sardines are a type of small, oily fish that contain a lot of important nutrients. Both fresh and canned sardines have health benefits, including helping to fight inflammation and supporting the health of your heart, bones, and immune system.
Whether you're a health-conscious seafood lover or are just looking for another affordable and convenient snack, canned sardines are the best substitute for tuna!
Canned white, or albacore (0.32 parts per million of mercury). Children under six can eat up to one 3-ounce portion a month; children from 6-12, two 4.5-ounce portions a month. Adults, including pregnant women, can safely eat this kind of tuna up to three times a month (women, 6-ounce portions; men, 8-ounce portions).
The tests showed that, based on recommended serving sizes, sardines and salmon contained much higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids than tuna.
Sardines are high in protein, rich in omega-3 fatty acids (associated with heart health benefits), and filled with certain important vitamins (especially D and B12) and minerals (such as calcium). However, sardines packed in oil are high in sodium and cholesterol, so daily consumption of them is not advisable.
The FDA recommends a weekly intake of two to three servings of sardines, or 8 to 12 ounces for adults and 4 to 6 ounces for children age 4 to 7. The FDA recognizes the health benefits of eating fish, especially for pregnant people and young children. Pregnant people can eat up to 12 ounces per week.
“Sardines are the No. 1 superfood for guys,” said Cooper, who co-hosts CNBC's reality pitch series “Adventure Capitalists.” “They're a powerhouse of nutrition, so I'm kind of an evangelist for sardines amongst everyone I meet.” Cold-water oily fish such as sardines are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Note that sardines are stilllow in saturated fat and provide a good source of calcium. To get the most health benefit from omega-3-rich sardines,however, choose those packed in fish oil, water, olive oil, mustardor tomato sauce.
Similar to shrimp, sardines are a potent seafood source of cholesterol. An ounce of sardines contains as much as 40 milligrams of cholesterol, and it's easy to eat more than an ounce at a time.
They're still fats, so eating too much of them can lead to weight gain and the health risks associated with being overweight. If you're putting sardines on your sandwich instead of say, bacon (which contains nearly four grams of saturated fat per serving), that's a really smart nutritional move.
Bananas also contain fibre and potassium. It helps manage blood pressure, reduce stress, and relieve constipation and ulcer problems. The fruit also helps regulate body temperature. Another fruit that is rich in vitamin B12 is blueberries.
You can buy tinned sardines that are skinless and boneless, but the skin and bones are completely edible, supply a good amount of sardines' calcium content, and are soft enough that most people don't even mind (or notice) them.
How Often Should You Eat Tuna? Tuna is incredibly nutritious and packed with protein, healthy fats and vitamins — but it should not be consumed every day. The FDA recommends that adults eat 3–5 ounces (85–140 grams) of fish 2–3 times a week to get enough omega-3 fatty acids and other beneficial nutrients ( 10 ).
According to the AHA, if you want the full omega-3 fatty acid health benefits, then fish reigns supreme. "Studies have shown that fish, in addition to providing cardiovascular benefits, is loaded with healthy vitamins and minerals as well as protein that you just can't get from fish oil supplements," says Dodson.
The research, conducted at MIT's Sea Grant Program, found that canned, solid white albacore is among the best sources of omega-3 in the seafood world. Only salmon and sardines, fresh or canned, contain higher concentrations.
Yellowfin and albacore tuna land somewhere in between, containing around 30 micrograms of mercury per 3 ounces. Given these mercury concentrations, people may safely consume three to four servings of low-mercury tuna per week. Higher mercury tuna should be restricted to one serving per week.