Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, tuna is a great health ally.
In a context in which more and more people are turning to healthy products with great health properties, especially in view of the growing epidemic of obesity and diabetes in our country, tuna stands out as a great ally for a healthy diet, due, above all, to its anti-inflammatory properties, in addition to other great benefits. It is worth remembering that the national per capita (annual) consumption of canned tuna is 9 cans; to have a reference, in the European Community 20 cans are consumed and in the United States, 16 cans. However, the Mexican tuna industry is ready to meet this demand, doing so in compliance with strict international quality and safety standards in the canned tuna canning industry and, in the fishing sector, under the most rigorous international certification, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), which monitors the care of marine ecosystems.
Importance of Omega-3 fatty acids in inflammation.
One of the most important benefits of consuming tuna is that it is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like all fish and seafood. These are Essential Fatty Acids, because they are not produced naturally by the body and cannot be replaced by other fats.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential in the process of inflammation. This is one of the main causes of chronic degenerative diseases, such as diabetes, but also of heart problems and cancer. This is because it generates different reactions in the body that are sometimes ignored, mainly because they seem “normal” when they are not: gas, bloating, pain, constipation, diarrhea, among others. This without counting the “invisible” inflammations, such as that of the brain.
Inflammation occurs mainly due to the high consumption of another type of fatty acid, omega-6, present in vegetable oils and fats, sugars and refined flours, among other foods. A balanced diet rich in omega-3 prevents cells from becoming inflamed and, therefore, prevents the body from being prone to chronic degenerative diseases.
According to research conducted in Mexico, it has been proven that populations that consume a greater amount of fish and seafood have a lower risk of developing this type of disease. One example is the Eskimos. In them, omega-3 levels are much higher, due to their high consumption of protein from the sea.
Although obesity depends on multiple factors, one of the main causes is inflammation. The World Health Organization recently pointed out that the cost of this disease exceeds the cost of “huachicoleo”, which is why the consumption of “anti-inflammatory nutrition”, such as tuna, reduces the possibility of contracting diabetes and improves health, as it also provides other benefits:
- Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA: DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) helps neurons communicate with each other. In this way, it protects against diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. It is concentrated in the retina of the eyes where it is critical for visual function. EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) is important for healthy blood vessels and heart.
- Monounsaturated fat: Helps reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol that builds up on the sides of vessels and makes it difficult for blood to pass through. In turn, it raises high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), which removes some of the LDL cholesterol accumulated in the capillaries. These are also known as “good” and “bad” cholesterol.
- Vitamin A: Helps in the formation and maintenance of teeth, soft tissues and bones. It also maintains the health of mucous membranes and skin. It is also known as retinol, since it produces the pigments in the retina of the eye.
- Vitamin B: B vitamins are water-soluble; this means that the body cannot store them, so they must be replenished daily. They are also essential for growth and help the body break down and use food.
- Vitamin D: Helps the body with the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which aid in bone growth and strength.
Canned tuna, in addition, is a high quality protein at a reasonable price, not to mention that it is easy to transport anywhere in the country.
Regarding the recommended amount of tuna, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends eating tuna one to three times a week. This consumption, in addition to providing the benefits mentioned above, makes it one of the best allies to combat overweight and obesity and, thus, contribute to the reduction of diseases such as diabetes. Consuming tuna means taking care of your health.
Texts taken from: http://www.infoatun.mx/beneficios-de-consumo-del-atun/
Source: © InfoAtún México 2019. All rights reserved.
