© Getty Images

Popular food -

Tuna is widely consumed in the American and Japanese diets, being second only to shrimp as a preferred seafood option. It is also commonly enjoyed as tinned tuna in developed countries. While there are compelling reasons to include tuna in one's diet, it is essential to consider the drawbacks associated with its consumption as well.

© Shutterstock 

Tuna species -

Were you aware that there exist 15 distinct species of tuna fish? Nonetheless, merely five of them are deemed genuine tuna, being classified under the genus Thunnus.

© Shutterstock 

Albacore tuna -

Albacore tuna, a smaller species, are always in motion and have a bullet-like shape. They can be found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea.

© Shutterstock 

Southern bluefin tuna -

Southern bluefin tuna, a type of large, fast-swimming fish, can be found in open waters of the Southern Hemisphere. According to the Australian Marine Conservation Society, the species is critically endangered, with only 5% of its original population remaining due to fishing.

© Shutterstock 

Bigeye tuna -

Bigeye tuna are found in tropical and temperate oceans, but not the Mediterranean Sea. They are long and streamlined, migrating extensively and swimming continuously over vast distances.

© Shutterstock 

Pacific bluefin tuna -

Pacific bluefin tuna, classified as a threatened species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, are known for their size and longevity, with a lifespan of up to 40 years. These tunas inhabit the northern Pacific Ocean, spanning the coastlines of East Asia to western North America.

© Shutterstock 

Atlantic bluefin tuna -

The Atlantic bluefin is found in both the western and eastern Atlantic Ocean, as well as the Mediterranean Sea. It is known for being one of the largest, fastest, and most visually appealing fish worldwide, but sadly, it is also highly endangered.

© Shutterstock 

Catching tuna fish -

Tuna has been a dietary staple for many civilizations across centuries. The Phoenician technique, known as Almadraba, is an ancient and intricate method for capturing and harvesting Atlantic bluefin tuna that has been used for ages.

© Getty Images

Almadraba technique -

The Almadraba is a conventional technique of catching tuna by employing a complex arrangement of net fences. This method is still practiced in Portugal, Spain, Morocco, and Italy. In Sicily, it is referred to as Tonnara.

© Getty Images 

Canned tuna -

Tuna was initially canned during the early 20th century. Prior to this, sardines were the sole fish enclosed in cans. Nevertheless, in 1903, when the sardine harvest off the southern California coast fell short, several ingenious cannery proprietors began filling vacant sardine cans with tuna. As a result, a fresh industry emerged.

© Getty Images 

Tuna in spring water -

Canned tuna comes in different varieties: brine, spring water, sunflower, or olive oil. Tuna in water contains more omega-3s and fewer calories compared to tuna in oil. However, choosing tuna in brine will result in a higher sodium (salt) content. Nutritionally, water-packed tuna offers pure protein and a milder tuna taste.

© Shutterstock 

Tuna in oil -

That said, oil-packed tuna has a softer texture and a stronger tuna flavor. Be aware, however, that while protein levels are the same, the fat content of tuna in oil increases.

© Shutterstock 

Health advantages -

Tuna is known for being a great source of vitamin D in our diet. Additionally, it is packed with omega-3 fatty acids that can lower cholesterol and enhance cardiovascular well-being. Moreover, tuna boasts an abundant amount of potassium, which aids in the reduction of blood pressure.

© Shutterstock 

Nutritional value -

Tuna is a rich source of nutrients like vitamin C, selenium, manganese, and zinc, known for enhancing the immune system.

© Shutterstock 

What is the recommended amount of tuna? -

Excessive consumption of tuna can adversely affect your health, despite its delectable taste and nutritional value. Why?

© Shutterstock

Mercury levels -

According to Scientific American, certain types of fish like bluefish, shark, swordfish, wild sturgeon, opah (sunfish), and bigeye tuna are known to have a higher mercury content. This is due to their size and their ability to absorb methylmercury from their diet and water through their gills.

© Shutterstock 

Mercury exposure risks -

When incorporating tuna into your diet, it is crucial to be cautious of mercury exposure. Consuming certain types of tuna in a single serving could exceed the recommended weekly limit for safe mercury consumption.

© Shutterstock 

Skipjack Tuna -

According to the Environmental Defense Fund, bigger species like bigeye and albacore have higher levels of mercury than light and skipjack tuna.

© Shutterstock 

Reducing mercury intake -

Limiting mercury consumption is vital for the health of children and pregnant women.

© Shutterstock 

Is tuna okay for children? -

Tuna is a delicious and nutritious food that can be a wonderful option to introduce fish to children. However, there are specific types of tuna that are more suitable for younger taste preferences.

© Shutterstock 

Top options for children -

Canned light tuna is considered a top choice for children's nutrition by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They advise a weekly consumption of two to three servings.

© Shutterstock 

Sustainability -

Tuna is a highly sought-after fish, but unsustainable fishing practices have put certain species at risk. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) states that Pacific bluefin tuna are severely overfished, while the Atlantic bigeye and Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna are facing increased catch levels, signaling overfishing.

© Shutterstock 

Top players -

The WWF highlights that four species, namely skipjack, yellowfin, bigeye, and albacore, dominate the market with skipjack comprising over fifty percent of the global tuna catch, according to the data.

© Getty Images

Highly endangered -

According to the WWF, the highly vulnerable bluefin tuna makes up a mere 1% of the worldwide catch. Interestingly, Atlantic bluefin tuna are now being spotted in UK waters once again during the warmer months, thanks to the rising sea temperatures. It is worth noting that tuna fishing is prohibited in all UK waters. In the event that a fisherman unintentionally catches an Atlantic bluefin tuna, it is mandatory for them to promptly release it back into the water.

© Shutterstock 

Aquaculture -

To address the concerning decrease in fish numbers, more high-quality tuna are now being bred in enclosed nets and nourished with smaller fish in the ocean.

© Shutterstock 

Fish farming -

Former fishermen in Australia are currently farming Southern bluefish tuna, which is considered the most valuable sector of South Australia's aquaculture industry, according to the Marine Education Society of Australasia (MESA).

© Shutterstock 

Species at risk -

The farming of Atlantic bluefin, a vulnerable species, is happening in the Mediterranean, North America, and Japan.

© Shutterstock 

Largest tuna consumer nation -

Japan is renowned for being the largest consumer of tuna, particularly the esteemed Atlantic bluefin variety used in gourmet sushi. Additionally, Japan it is also the leading nation in tuna farming research

© Shutterstock 

Conservation efforts -

Although conservation efforts should be commended, a study from 2016 reveals that rising ocean temperatures are negatively impacting tuna populations in the Indian Ocean. The rapid warming has led to a decline in marine phytoplankton, which is crucial for the survival of bigeye tuna.

© Shutterstock 

Marine Stewardship Council -

To contribute to the preservation of tuna species, look out for the MSC label when purchasing fresh or canned tuna. The MSC label represents the Marine Stewardship Council Fisheries Standard, certifying products as sustainable. 

See also: Simple lifestyle changes that help the environment

© Getty Images