Canned tuna may harm your health

Posted on February 20, 2007
Filed Under Health | Leave a Comment

Canada’s CBC has completed an investigation that showed some canned tuna to contain higher levels of mercury than is considered safe to eat. Tuna is heralded as a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids while it is low in saturated fats. If you are dieting or working on your fitness, tuna is considered a great source of all the important nutrients for your body.

CBC has found, however, that the amount of mercury in tuna exceeds Health Canada’s guidelines. Mercury is a harmful contaminant that affects the heart, brain and immune system if consumed at high quantities often.

According to CBC,

Health Canada has established a guideline level of 0.5 parts per million (ppm) for mercury in commercial fish.

CBC has found that more than 13% of the tested canned tuna exceeds the 0.5 parts per million guideline for mercury by almost double. The problem is mostly focused on albacore or “white” tuna. Health Canada now suggests that as a precaution, pregnant and breastfeeding women as well as young children should not consume canned tuna more that a couple of times a week. There is no specific guideline for men but if I were you, I would limit my consumption of tuna to similar levels.

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