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Family: Scombridae
Subfamily: Scombrinae
Tribe: Thunnini
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Scombriformes
Habitat: Tuna fish are found in all sorts of habitats (places), including coastal estuaries, lakes, wetlands, rivers, mountain streams and even alpine tarns.
For both long- and shortfins, places to hide (cover) during daylight are very important – water weed, tree roots, undercut banks, and debris piles are all suitable types of cover. They are able to squeeze into very small spaces and dig down into the mud.
Description:
A tuna is a saltwater fish that belongs to the tribe Thunnini, a sub-grouping of the mackerel family (Scombridae). Thunnini comprises fifteen species across five genera, the sizes of which vary greatly, ranging from the bullet tuna (max. length: 50 cm (1.6 ft), weight: 1.8 kg (4 lb)) up to the Atlantic bluefin tuna (max. length: 4.6 m (15 ft), weight: 684 kg (1,508 lb)). The bluefin averages 2 m (6.6 ft), and is believed to live for up to 50 years.
Tuna, Opah, mackerel sharks are the only species of fish that can maintain a body temperature higher than that of the surrounding water. An active and agile predator, the tuna has a sleek, streamlined body, and is among the fastest-swimming pelagic fish – the yellowfin tuna for example, is capable of speeds of up to 75 km/h (47 mph). Found in warm seas, it is extensively fished commercially, and is popular as a game fish. As a result of overfishing, stocks of some tuna species, such as the southern bluefin tuna, are close to extinction.
Nutritional Value of Tuna Fish:
The health benefits of tuna fish can be attributed to the impressive content of vitamins, minerals, and organic compounds found in this delicious fish. [1] These include antioxidants and protein, without much-saturated fat or sodium. It also has impressive levels of selenium, phosphorous, iron, magnesium, and potassium. In terms of vitamins, there is a wealth of vitamin B12 and niacin, as well as a good amount of vitamin B6 and riboflavin.
Health Benefits of Tuna Fish
Heart Health:
Perhaps the most common health benefit that is attributed to tuna fish is its significant impact on heart health. In terms of reducing coronary heart diseases, tuna fish has high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce omega-6 fatty acids and LDL or bad cholesterol in the arteries and blood vessels. Furthermore, it often replaces foods with high saturated fat content, further lowering the risk of heart diseases.
Blood Pressure:
The anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce blood pressure. [3] Potassium, found in tuna, is a vasodilator and is very good for lowering blood pressure. Reducing hypertension can significantly boost your health by lowering the strain on your cardiovascular system. This will help prevent heart attacks and strokes, as well as conditions like atherosclerosis.
Eye Care:
Tuna fish, being rich in omega-3 fatty acids, is a great option for preventing eye disorders like age-related macular degeneration. [4] This disease is the major reason behind the occurrence of blindness in the elderly people. The blindness is also caused due to diabetic complications and tuna can help in reducing the chances of diabetic retinopathy.
Growth and Development:
Tuna fish is packed with high levels of protein. [5] A single serving of only 165 grams (approximately 1 can of tuna fish) contains more than 80% of your daily protein requirement. Proteins are the building blocks of our body that guarantee growth, faster recovery from wounds and illnesses, improved muscle tone, and overall metabolic efficiency.
Weight Loss:
Tuna fish is low in calories and fat, yet loaded with beneficial nutrients like protein. The omega-3 fatty acids found in tuna stimulate a hormone called leptin, which balances the body’s food intake with the internal desire to eat more. [6] This can reduce overeating and make sure that your body is only consuming what it actually needs.
Boosted Immune System:
Tuna contains a good amount of vitamin C, zinc, and manganese, all of which are considered antioxidant in nature. Antioxidants are one of the body’s defense mechanisms against free radicals, the harmful by-products of cellular metabolism that cause cancer and other chronic diseases. However, the real champion of tuna’s immune system-boosting potential is selenium. Tuna fish is rich in this mineral, giving nearly 200% of the daily requirement in a single serving. This makes the fish a very powerful antioxidant and immune-boosting food.
Energy Levels:
The B complex vitamins in tuna have been connected with a wide range of health aspects. [8] They are mainly involved in boosting the metabolism, increasing the efficiency of organs, protecting the skin, and increasing energy levels. By consuming tuna fish regularly, you can ensure that you are active, energetic, and healthy.
Blood Circulation:
Tuna is a rich source of iron, along with the B-complex vitamins that play an important role in red blood cell formation. [9] Without iron, people become anemic and their blood is unable to oxygenate the vital organs that need fresh oxygen to function efficiently.
Cancer Prevention:
Tuna fish has antioxidant properties, thanks to selenium and other nutrients, making it effective at preventing some types of cancer. [10] Numerous studies have connected tuna to a reduction in the occurrence of breast and kidney cancer. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals before they can cause a mutation in healthy cells, thereby turning them into cancer cells. Other promising results have also shown a reduction in colon cancer, thanks to the high levels of omega-3 fatty acid in the fish.
Kidney Diseases:
The potassium and sodium content in tuna is well-balanced, which helps manage the fluid balance in the body. When your body maintains a fluid balance, the kidneys function properly, thereby lowering the chances of developing serious kidney conditions.
Reduced Inflammation:
Tuna fish can keep the body’s overall stress levels down by reducing inflammation, thanks to the anti-inflammatory vitamins and minerals. [11] A reduction in inflammation across the body ensures an enhanced functioning of all organs. It also helps prevent inflammatory diseases like arthritis and gout, both of which afflict millions of people around the world.
Cell Membrane Damage:
When tuna fish is cooked, the proteins in tuna begin to break down into fragments, called peptides. These fragments can actually be powerful antioxidants that specifically target cell membranes, keeping them healthy, strong, and functioning properly. [12] Free radicals often attack membranes throughout the body, including those in the brain, so eating cooked tuna and improving the membrane protection is a very good idea!
Mercury and Selenium Balance:
Consuming any fish, or for that matter, tuna, above a certain limit can bring the mercury level in our body at an unhealthy point. Studies have shown that there is a unique form of selenium, called selenoneine. This actually binds to mercury and acts as an antioxidant, slightly changing the composition of mercury to make it less dangerous. However, studies are still ongoing to completely validate this.
Depression:
Intake of tuna fish is good for relieving depression. Findings of a research study suggest that fish consumption may be beneficial for women’s mental health. [14] It can also reduce depression levels in women.
Tips for Enjoying Tuna Fish
The taste of tuna fish makes it perfect for eating as a tuna steak, as a spread with mayonnaise on crackers or bread, in tuna salad and burger, or any of the other varieties. [15] It is versatile, delicious, inexpensive, and very good for health.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuna
https://www.niwa.co.nz/te-k%C5%ABwaha/tuna-information-resource/biology-and-ecology/habitat
