Although canned tuna is a popular and convenient source of protein, some studies have shown that it might actually be detrimental to one’s health.
“You could end up with mercury poisoning, which can cause weird symptoms like tingling sensations and loss of balance,” according to Michael Gochfeld, M.D., a researcher with the Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute.
“You have to balance the benefits of eating fish with the risk from mercury, while taking into account a person’s weight, their sensitivity to mercury, the type of tuna, and how much risk you’re willing to take,” Dr. Gochfeld added.
Below are the reasons why you shouldn’t eat canned tuna fish.
1. It has high sodium content.
Canned tuna is a popular meal, particularly with athletes, because of its high protein content which improves muscle growth. However, a single can of tuna may contain up to 600mg of sodium which can cause hypertension and stroke.
2. Absorption of mercury.
Tuna tend to eat smaller fish, often consuming mercury in the process. As a result, people who eat tuna are also prone to mercury poisoning. The World Health Organization (WHO) said that consuming mercury can damage the digestive system, kidneys, skin, nervous system, immune system, can escalate the risk of heart attacks by up to 70{88c35fc59d12a25b71e6504d7161f08c0e07bfe41b19c35c5bedd5b69128fb63}, and cause brain damage.
3. Harmful chemicals.
Many kinds of fish consume harmful chemicals as the world’s oceans today are heavily polluted and full of toxic substances. Some of these chemicals include polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and dioxins, which are carcinogenic (cancer-causing).
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4. Risk of food poisoning.
According to the American Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 75{88c35fc59d12a25b71e6504d7161f08c0e07bfe41b19c35c5bedd5b69128fb63} of food poisoning cases globally are due to the consumption of seafood. It is important to keep in mind the freshness of the fish that one consumes as well the preparation process it underwent.
5. Tuna fishing kills dolphins.
Sadly, tuna aren’t the only sea entities that are caught during tuna fishing. Dolphins, sharks, and many other sea creatures die in the process.
In addition, nets, pulleys, and other fishing tools often end up in the ocean — thus, the fishing industry is responsible for a lot of world’s water contamination. Sea creatures mistake these pollutants for food and they end up dying from them.
Did you find this article informative? Have you got any additional information to support this list? Don’t hesitate to share them below in the comments section.
