Although we are used to thinking of tuna as a preserve, before it was, there were about a dozen species of fish that lived in the ocean.
Many people choose it for its high protein content; however, these are some of the reasons why you’d better think about it the next time you’re about to open a can of tuna to eat.
1. Because it may contain mercury at a level that is harmful to health
In general, fish accumulate mercury by absorbing it from the water through their scales or skin, or by feeding on other organisms. In general, in larger or longer-living fish, more accumulates.
Mercury is an element that is naturally present in the air, water and soil; and certain bacteria can transform it into methylmercuryan organic compound that accumulates in fish.
According to the WHO, Exposure to mercury (even in small amounts) can cause serious health problems and is dangerous for intrauterine development and in the early stages of life. May be toxic to the nervous and immune systems, the digestive system, the skin, and the lungs, kidneys, and eyes.
Mercury levels in most fish are generally not harmful to a healthy adult. But you have to be careful.
2. By choice: to be a vegetarian or vegan
So much vegans as vegetarians, they do not consume fish as well as any other food that is an animal, or comes from one. It may be for a reason of conviction, animal defense, environmental, or even health. You can read the difference between vegetarian and vegan here.
3. Due to its high sodium content
Although many people choose to eat tuna for its high protein content, they do not realize that a single can of tuna contains almost 600 milligrams of sodium, which can favor the increase of high blood pressure or hypertension. Even in people with sensitivity to sodium, consuming it in excess increases the risk of having an accident cerebrovascular.
4. Because some species are already in danger of extinction
Due to overfishing, some species are in danger of extinction, such as the Atlantic bluefin tuna, which is used to prepare sushi.
5. Because in some regions when fishing for tuna they accidentally kill dolphins
In some areas such as the Pacific of Mexico and Central America, the dolphins swim alongside the tuna and the fishing vessels throw their nets also harming the dolphins, in addition to disturbing them with the sounds of their boats. There is a tag (“Dolphin-safe“) that ensures that fishing does not harm dolphins as well.
6. Because of the diseases it can cause
In some dishes sushi either sashimi, the tuna can be served raw or undercooked; and eating it this way increases the chances of some foodborne illnesses, such as Anisakiasiswhich occurs when the fish are parasitized by larvae.
7. Because of the cruelty of commercial fishing
In commercial fishing practices, tuna are often caught en masse causing the fish to slowly die from suffocation on boat decks, or being crushed by others.
8. Because they may contain other contaminants
Many chemicals are dumped into the oceans on a regular basis, and some of them remain over time and accumulate in animals. For example, dioxin and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), carcinogenic substances, are present in the fatty tissues of some types of fish.
9. Because fishing nets and other elements pollute the oceans
Many of the nets or fishing gear are made of plastic, or contain electronic beacons, metal or toxic batteries that pollute the waters. Let us not forget that the contamination of ocean waters with plastics is one of the biggest environmental problems in the world: it is estimated that every year eight million tons of plastic waste end up in the oceans, causing the harm of millions of mammals, birds and fishes.
10. Because in addition to dolphins, other marine animals are trapped
The use of fishing gear also catches sharks, swordfish and other animals that, in the best of cases, are returned to the water injured.
May 2 is World Tuna Day, a key date to discuss issues related to its development sustainablethe conservation of species and the use sustainable of tuna in the world.
How do I know if the food I choose is safe?
The organization greenpeace carried out a “2017 Canned Tuna Guide” where they evaluate 20 brands that can be found in the Spanish markets; classifying them according to their sustainability, their ethics and their equity for the oceans, and for workers.
If you are going to eat tuna, choose a fish option responsibly; Or, better yet, choose a natural protein source like legumes which, unlike tuna, can also help stop climate change.
Important: It should be clarified that the Bioguide does not give medical advice or prescribe the use of techniques as a form of treatment for physical or mental problems without the advice of a doctor, either directly or indirectly. In the case of applying any information on this site for that purpose, the Bioguide assumes no responsibility for those acts. The site is intended only to provide information of a general nature to aid in the pursuit of personal growth and development.