Negative Effects:
– Mercury Poisoning: Canned tuna contains mercury, a toxic substance that can accumulate in the body over time. Eating too much tuna can lead to mercury poisoning, which can cause symptoms such as:
– Neurological Problems: Mercury can damage the nervous system, leading to problems with coordination, speech, and hearing.
– Kidney Damage: Mercury can also damage the kidneys and increase the risk of kidney disease.
– Developmental Issues: Pregnant women and children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of mercury, which can impact fetal development and child development.
– High Sodium Content: Canned tuna is often high in sodium, which can increase blood pressure and contribute to cardiovascular disease.³ ⁴
Precautions:
– Choose Low-Mercury Options: Opt for skipjack or light tuna, which tend to have lower mercury levels than albacore or white tuna.
– Limit Consumption: Limit your tuna consumption to 1-2 cans per week, and balance it with other protein sources.
– Check Labels: Look for low-sodium options and choose tuna from sustainable sources
