ce the risks of arrhythmia. It also said to boost immune function, help increase fertility, fight degenerative diseases, promote healthy skin, and improve mental health. Consuming the proper amount of omega-3 can also make you less vulnerable to various autoimmune disorders and inflammatory diseases and you will be less likely to have Alzheimer’s disease, asthma, and emotional or mental disorders like depression.
The amount of omega-3 found in canned fish is usually lower than that found in fresh fish. To get the most omega-3, look for canned fish from the oily fish category. Experts also agree that it is better to purchase canned fish packed in water rather than those packed in oil. This is because some of the natural fat found in tuna can mix with the oil and some of the omega-3 may come with the oil when you drain it from your canned tuna.
Carotenoids. Carotenoids can be found in various food stuff and they are also found in fish. The amount of carotenoids in canned fish is usually lower as compared to fresh fish because some are lost during the canning process. However, some carotenoids can also get lost when you cook fresh fish.
Carotenoids are antioxidants that protect cells from free radicals. They may also guard against certain types of cancer and fight heart disease by blocking the formation of LDL cholesterol.
B Vitamins. A number of B vitamins can be found in fish and this includes vitamins B1, B3, and B6. The amount of B vitamins in fresh fish is higher than those found in canned fish. The canning process is also said to be responsible with the loss of certain of amounts of B vitamins in canned fish.
Vitamin B1 or thiamine is needed to metabolize carbohydrate and for the release of energy from food. It is also said to help the nervous system and the heart to function well. Vitamin B3 or niacin needed for DNA repair and it helps boost energy. It is also said to help reverse the progression of atherosclerosis and lower cholesterol levels. Niacin is also said to be helpful for people who have diabetes because it helps the stimulation of insulin secretion.
Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine is needed by the body to produce more than 60 enzymes needed by the immune system and other body systems to function well. It is also said to help prevent cancer, migraines, and kidney stones. Pyridoxine also has a diuretic effect by helping reduce water retention. It is also included in the treatment for arthritis and is said to help increase the body’s serotonin levels.
Calcium. If other nutrients usually found in fish are lost during the canning process, calcium stands as an exception. Canned fish, especially canned salmon, is said to have higher calcium concentration than its fresh variety. There are studies suggesting that the amount of calcium found in canned fish is about 10 to 20 times higher than what is found in fresh fish. Since fish is canned with its bones that are rich in calcium, the heating process involved in canning softens the bones so calcium is easily ingested with the meat of the fish.
Aside from playing a major role in bone and tooth health, calcium is also important to heart rhythm, blood clotting, muscle function, nerve transmission, and cell membrane function. A little known function of calcium is it being a natural tranquilizer and a key in aiding metabolism. Calcium works synergistically with vitamin D for it to be absorbed and used for various bodily functions.
Aside from these, fish is also a good source of vitamins A, D, and K. Fish is also a good source of protein, magnesium, selenium, and potassium. The amount of these vitamins and minerals that can be found in fresh and canned fish may differ. However, it is important to remember that the loss of nutrients found in fresh fish is not brought about by canning alone. Nutrients are also lost in the process of cooking fresh fish, even if you cook your fresh fish the healthy way.
Since the two-fold heating process involved in canning can result to a significant loss in nutrients, there are fish canning companies that do away with the pre-treatment process to 