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Why is it good to eat tuna?

ALMADRABA TUNA - AN “UPLIFT” OF HEALTH AND PLEASURE.

Almadraba tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is a fish species greatly appreciated by consumers. It is a fish of high nutritional value; therefore, a food of high nutritional quality.

Almadraba tuna proteins contain amino acids essential for the body. It is also high in vitamins and minerals. The consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids in tuna can contribute to reducing risk of cardiovascular diseases.

The contribution of this type of fish to health can be summarised in greater detail as follows.

Almadraba tuna is a protein rich food, i.e. it is essentially a source of proteins. These proteins, which have high biological value, are easily absorbed and digested by the body, and its nutritional quality is similar to that of meat.

This type of fish has high contents of essential amino acids, such as lysine, which is necessary for proper growth in children, and tryptophan, indispensable for producing blood.

Another noteworthy aspect of Almadraba tuna is its high fat content. The amount of fat in tuna varies among species and seasons, with significant differences between sexual maturation states, food availability, etc.

The most valued parameters for tuna quality include freshness, fat content, and colour.  The optimal fat content in tuna at the time of capture in almadrabas is due both to the capturing method and to the proximity of almadrabas to fishing ports (the maximum time between capture and cutting is one hour). In fact, fat content is one of the most highly valued parameters at the international level. Even more importantly, Almadraba tuna is marbled with natural fat, that is, the fishes have not been artificially fattened in fattening farms. This is actually the main competitive advantage when comparing wild Almadraba tuna with artificially fattened tuna.

Given the increasing phobia of fat, it should be noted that fat is healthy and essential for optimal health. There are disorders caused by fat deficiency. Now, there are some fats, however, that are health promoting, among them Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Almadraba tuna have high concentrations of Omega-3 fatty acids.

The consumption of fatty acid rich foods has been linked to a reduction in levels of blood triglycerides, lower arterial pressure, and reduced risk of thrombosis. In summary, it contributes towards reducing the risk of cardiovascular disorders.

The consumption of Omega-3 fatty acid rich foods has also been linked to other beneficial health effects associated with its anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. Maternal consumption during pregnancy is recommended, as it indeed appears to benefit foetal brain development.

Benefits for health of Almadraba tuna consumption include the intake of vitamins, mainly vitamin A, vitamin D, thiamine and niacin.

Vitamin A aids development and maintenance of teeth, soft tissues and bones, mucous membrane, and skin. It is also known as retinol, as it generates retinal pigment.

Vitamin D promotes absorption and metabolism of calcium, an element that is essential for the development and maintenance of healthy teeth and bones. Calcium is also important for the health of nerve cells, including the brain.

Thiamine (vitamin-B1) is essential for the health of the heart, muscles, and nervous system.

Niacin (vitamin-B3) is necessary for the health of the digestive system, skin, and nervous system. It is also needed for transforming food into energy.

Finally, it should be noted that Almadraba tuna meat is also rich in minerals. Of particular importance are iodine and iron.

Iodine is essential in human metabolism. Humans need iodine for the correct functioning of the thyroid gland, and the production of thyroidal hormones and iron, which are necessary for producing red blood cells.

The “Levantá” of Almadraba tuna along the Andalusian coast dates back to Phoenician times over 3000 years ago. In Roman days, it was used to make Garum (an energy booster), and, nowadays, we can enjoy deep-frozen (-60ºC) tuna sashimi, a real pleasure for our palate and body.