Sardine vs.Tuna: Which Fish You Should Be Eating? (5 Major Differences)

To find out if you should be eating sardines every day and more differences between sardines and tune check out my full article here: https://foodhow.com/eating-canned-sar...

Are You Eating The Wrong Fish?

Sardine vs.Tuna: Here are 5 reasons why sardines are better for you than tuna

Number-1. Sardines Have More Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Although tuna is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, it is beaten hands down by the humble sardine. A portion of sardines will contain two-thirds as much omega-3 as the same-sized portion of tuna.

Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked with many health benefits. While the science might not fully support some of the claims made for omega-3, there is evidence that it can help reduce blood pressure and reduce inflammation. It has also been found, in some circumstances, to help protect cognitive function, and some studies suggest it can help prevent depression and have a positive effect on mental health.

So, if it is omega-3 that you are after, then Sardines are one of the best sources for that, a long way ahead of tuna.

Number-2. Sardines Have More Vitamin E

Sardines boast over twice as much vitamin E as tuna. A six-ounce servicing of sardines will contain a quarter of your recommended daily intake of vitamin E.

Vitamin E helps maintain healthy circulation and has beneficial effects on the skin and eyes. It promotes the development of red blood cells and has an antioxidant function helping to fight cell damage and helps strengthen the immune system.

Number-3. Tuna Has a Lot More Dangerous Mercury

While mercury is a common toxin in seafood, there is, typically, ten times more mercury in tuna than in sardines.

Mercury has damaging effects on the human nervous system and cognitive function, and some cases of mercury poisoning from human ingestion are from eating fish.

While all fish tend to accumulate some level of mercury in their bodies, those towards the top of the marine food chain, like albacore and yellowfin tuna, tend to accumulate more. Being a small fish, Sardines have less mercury at the bottom of the food chain, and compared to other fish; they are low in any contaminants.

Number-4. Sardines Have More Calcium

Because of their soft bones, sardines can be eaten whole. One tin of sardines gives you a huge 351 milligrams of calcium. That is more calcium than in a glass of cow's milk.

Calcium is well known for its role in building healthy teeth and bones, but its role in the human body is much bigger.

Calcium also plays a role in muscle contraction, including the heart, by helping promote your muscles' contraction and relaxation in their everyday use. It also has an important function in blood clotting and is crucial in helping the body control how wounds heal.

So, if you are looking for a good source of calcium, then sardines are the best choice as tuna falls somewhat short when it comes to calcium.

Number-5. Sardines Have Less Environmental Impact

While not a direct benefit to the human body, choosing sardines over tuna helps make the planet better for everyone. Although public outcry has meant the tuna industry is now mostly dolphin-friendly, it still has a number of practices that are more harmful to the environment than sardine fishing.

Tuna is found in tropical and warmer temperature waters, mostly on Pacific Coast. This limited range means that to satisfy massive global demand, tuna typically has a lot of food miles. There are also impacts caused by specialist fishing, as boats have to travel further and often catch and discard other fish.

Sardines, on the other hand, that can actually be one of many types of small fish that belong to the herring family and are found all around the world and are frequently caught, landed, and eaten locally. Sardines are mainly caught with purse seine nets; this fishing method is relatively targeted, which means minimal bycatch.

Sardines are also fast-growing and robust species, and the stock status of sardines is classified as sustainable.

Canned sardines are a dietary staple and often referred to as a superfood, and it is no surprise that some people have decided to go on a full sardine diet.

Although living off sardines may seem like a good idea, there are few things you should consider before you load up your trolley in the canned goods aisle.

To discover which sardines are the best for you and how often you should really eat them, follow the link in the beginning of this description for my latest article about daily sardine consumption and learn some important facts about sardines.

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Jen Evansy

FoodHow.com