Canned tuna: in water or in oil?

If you have been to the supermarket and are deciding between the two types of tuna in the display and can’t decide between them, we will provide you with information about the advantages of buying both canned tuna in oil and canned tuna in water to help you choose the best option for your next purchase. According to specialists, fresh products are always synonymous with better quality than canned products, due to the additives added in the canning process. However, the large difference in cost causes many people to opt for canned foods instead of fresh fish.

If you wish to consume tuna with less fat, it is recommended to opt for water canning; however, if you need a higher proportion of fat, then it is better if the tuna is preserved in oil. This is because the source of these fats in this type of tuna comes from the preservative liquid.

For those trying to follow a healthy diet, experts advise choosing tuna in water instead of oil. This is because the caloric content of oil increases drastically, while a small can with tuna in water reaches 160 calories, compared to 240 calories in oil. Profeco points out that all tuna cans, whether in water or in oil, are subjected to a heat treatment that guarantees the safety of the fish, while at the same time allowing the original nutrients to be maintained to a large extent.

Eating tuna can be beneficial to our health, as it contains high levels of vitamins A and D, which helps the nervous system and improves breathing as well as healing. The intake of omega 3, a type of oil present in fish, is highly recommended if we want to take care of our heart health. It can contribute to the reduction of cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which helps prevent heart attacks.

Protein-rich foods are good for muscle strengthening, as they help in the formation and maintenance of muscles. Regarding tuna, doctors believe that one hundred grams a week is enough. Therefore, since one can has 50 grams, it is healthy not to drink more than two cans per week.

It is advisable to limit consumption in healthy adults to a maximum of two cans of tuna per week. Pregnant women should not eat fresh tuna, and should limit canned tuna to about 170 grams per week, according to FDA recommendations.