Is a tuna sandwich healthy or will it pose any risks? The tuna sandwich may be more fascinating than you think. The fish is usually said to improve your brain function, improve your memory, and lower the likelihood of heart disease.
According to the American Heart Association, fish should be eaten at least twice weekly. Fresh and canned tuna are both practical options for getting your body a weekly dose of this nutritious food.
But not all tuna food is a really good item for your health. So what about the tuna sandwich? We will learn more about this in the sections below!
Is Tuna Sandwich Healthy?
The answer is a big old yes, but remember that too much of anything does no good.
A Tuna sandwich delivers an abundant source of protein that individuals must take daily in one dish. One can of light tuna in sandwiches will bring 36% of the women’s recommended daily protein intake. Meanwhile, the figure is 29% in a man’s case.
Protein is necessary for good health with biological function. It helps build blocks of all cells in your body, bone, and other connective tissues. The enzymes, antibodies, and hormones are all made with the help of proteins.
Besides, tuna in a can is a simple, healthy sandwich filling that you can add to your diet. Choose fresh or canned tuna to keep your sandwich minimal in calories and fat.
On the contrary, long-term tuna consumption carries a number of dangers. It includes reduced metabolism, muscle loss, and mercury poisoning. Instead of focusing on consuming tuna sandwiches, it is advisable to eat a variety of full, unprocessed foods.
The mercury substance in this fish is also a matter of concern. To balance the mercury we consume, the FDA recommends eating any meal with this fish only twice a week. Certain canned tuna kinds (such as albacore) contain more mercury than others. It’s crucial to know which tuna we are consuming in sandwiches.
Nutrition
Tuna is not only a high-protein, low-fat fish but also rich in vitamins and minerals. This fish does not contain any carbohydrate, fiber, or sugar content. On average, three ounces of canned tuna in water contains 108 calories and 20g of protein.
The fish also delivers:
- 5% of your daily iron requirements.
- A variety of energy-boosting B vitamins.
- 80% of your daily suggested selenium.
According to the Food and Nutrition Board, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for protein is 46 grams for women and 56 grams for men. About 49 percent of RDA for women and 40 percent for men can be taken from canned tuna.
The fish is packed with omega-3 fatty acids. This omega is essential for heart health, cognitive function, and growth.
Remember that the processing of tuna products also affects the body’s nutritional intake. Any food cooked with the wrong methods will cause poison! So when combining a sandwich with tuna meat, be mindful of the ingredient list and origin of this fish.
Is A Tuna Fish Sandwich Good For Losing Weight And Health?
In short, it’s a yes. Let us explain further!
The doctor said you need to take in more than 1,200 calories daily to gain a healthy body. To lose weight, you must consume fewer calories than the amount you burn daily but not under 1,200.
Low-calorie foods will assist you in getting in shape in some way. Processed bread, condiments, cheese, and meat are all common sources of calories in sandwiches. A tuna sandwich is a good option in your diet when it is made with simple and fresh components.
The total fat content in this fish is lower than in other dishes. Besides, tuna in oil does contain a little amount of heart-healthy unsaturated fats. Increasing the volume of your tuna sandwiches and adding low-calorie items can further reduce the calories per serving.
Just limit yourself to tuna sandwiches or salads and mayonnaise. You can purchase some carrots and shred them by using a grater to toss in the tuna dish. Otherwise, feel free to add diced celery, pickles/relish, or capers, depending on your desire.
While the tuna diet can help you lose weight, it’s not a long-term answer. Whether a tuna sandwich is healthy or not depends on the way you consume this food.
The greatest option for sustainable results is to stick to a well-balanced diet. Remember to eat with enough calories to fulfill your demands every day. Many other things can affect your weight, so you should consider making lifestyle adjustments.
So Healthy To Combine With Mayonnaise?
So when pairing tuna sandwiches with mayonnaise, it is a different story. The tuna sandwich is healthy, but it’s clear that loading it with a large volume of mayonnaise is not a healthy meal anymore.
Mayonnaise is a high-calorie, high-fat food that contains few nutrients. Mayonnaise has 1440 calories; the amount of fat is about 160 grams and a total of about 24g of saturated fat per cup. It will also add nearly half of the recommended amount to your daily sodium intake.
Keep the mayonnaise to a limit. When cooking, you can reduce the amount of mayonnaise (one spoonful per person) and replace it with dijon or yellow mustard.
Or you can switch from mayonnaise to a healthy, flavorful alternative. For example, greek yogurt is a good choice. The yogurt ingredient is significantly lower in calories and fat than mayonnaise.
Healthy Tuna Sandwich Tips:
- Be mindful of the mayo. Tuna salad should be prepared with 1 tablespoon for each person.
- Choose chunk light in water rather than albacore if you want to reduce your exposure to mercury.
- Just the appropriate amount of tuna is two to three ounces. To make your sandwich more filling, pile on slices of lettuce, tomato, and onion.
- Pick whole grain bread such as rye or whole wheat.
- Learn more about how to make your tuna salad lighter.
Top 3 Most Healthy Brands Of Canned Tuna
The canned tuna industry has been around for about a century. In the past, most canned tuna was made from white albacore and yellowfin. But today, there are many varieties of canned tuna products on the market.
The following is a list of the top three healthiest brands of canned tuna in the world:
- Wild Planet Foods – this brand is made with sustainable wild-caught fish, and it contains no preservatives or artificial colors.
- Bumble Bee – this brand offers high-quality products that are low in sodium and calories. It also has omega-3s to help maintain heart health.
- Trader Joe’s – this brand is available at Trader Joe’s stores only and it is made with sustainable wild-caught fish as well as other ingredients like olive oil.
Conclusion
Is a tuna sandwich healthy? From the information above, it is clear that the dish works wonders for our bodies, but that’s not the end of the story. While tuna is good for our health, its mercury content in tuna is not. Mercury found in this fish is a poisonous chemical that can cause both acute and long-term poisoning.
So, when using it in sandwiches, we must remember to consume tuna sandwiches in a moderate amount. Besides, don’t just eat a tuna sandwich with mayonnaise and try to maintain an active lifestyle.
Taking care and paying attention to the food you put into your body will help you maintain a healthy body and a longer life. With the practical benefits that a tuna sandwich can bring, try making yourself delicious dishes for your family and loved ones!
