By AVERY TOMASO
Why You Should Start Reading The Labels On Canned Tuna
Tuna's allure lies in its affordability, ease of use, and nutritional value, making it a pantry favorite. However, its mercury content casts a shadow on its widespread appeal.
Of the two main varieties, chunk light (skipjack) and chunk white (albacore), white tuna harbors significantly more mercury. Reading labels is key to mitigating mercury intake.
While all fish absorb heavy metals from the environment, what sets tuna apart is their consumption of smaller, mercury-laden species, resulting in more mercury in their flesh.
Mercury levels can vary significantly even within brands. Chicken of the Sea's albacore has notably higher mercury, while Wild Planet's albacore and skipjack show lower levels.
In adults, mercury may cause fatigue or, in extreme cases, memory loss. The FDA recommends 2-3 tuna servings weekly and Consumer Reports advises a limit of 5 oz of albacore weekly.