Choose Wisely -Tuna

Choose Wisely #4

When picking out our foods, it is important to read the ingredients in order to find the best possible for our bodies. This week we want to talk about tuna. Tuna is is rich in protein, low in fat and calories and is an excellent source of the essential omega-3 fatty acids which help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Buying fresh tuna is the best tasting and the best for us, but these days many rely on canned tuna for their favorite tuna recipe. You may think you are making the best choice by simply choosing white albacore tuna, packed in water, so it’s always important to turn the package around and check the ingredients.

We do not recommend soy in the diet unless it is from fermented forms of soy. Whole books have been written on the topic of soy, so it is difficult to go into a lot of detail at this time. Most of the soybeans grown in the US are from genetically modified seeds. Genetically modified seeds are showing themselves to be highly toxic to humans. Only organic soybeans are not genetically modified. But even if grown organically, most of the foods made from soy are not healthy.

Soy is a really common additive in packaged food so it’s not surprising to see it on canned tuna. The two brands which are not healthy choices are one of the most common tunas. Bumble Bee and Chicken of the Sea both list Hydrolyzed Soy Protein as an added ingredient. MSG can occur (naturally) in Hydrolyzed Soy Protein so it’s an ingredient we surely want to avoid.

Choose This:

Polar Brand Ingredients: Albacore Tuna, Water, and Salt.

Star Kist Ingredients: Solid White Tuna, Spring Water, Vegetable Broth, and Salt.

Another really good brand is Tuna Guys http://www.tunaguys.net/ Tuna Guys tuna does not have any additives, not even water, just a small amount of salt, and you don’t need to drain it.

Do Not Choose This:

Bumble Bee Ingredients: White Tuna, Water, Hydrolyzed Casein, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Vegetable Broth, Salt, Pyrophosphate.

Chicken of the Sea Ingredients: Solid White Tuna, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Vegetable Broth, Salt, Pyrophosphate.