Tuna is a nutritious and protein-rich saltwater fish that can contain high levels of mercury. As a result, regular tuna consumption may lead to health issues.
Volcanic eruptions and industrial activity emit mercury into the oceans, where it builds up in marine life. This article reviews mercury in tuna and tells you whether it’s safe to eat this fish.
Tuna contains more mercury than other popular seafood items, including salmon, oysters, lobster, scallops and tilapia (1).
This is because tuna feed on smaller fish which are already contaminated with varying amounts of mercury. Since mercury is not easily excreted, it builds up in the tissues of tuna over time (2, 3).
Albacore and Yellowfin Tuna are fantastic game fish, and they’re both good eating, too. However, if you’re after a bigger catch, your choice should obviously be Yellowfin. If you’re just getting into Tuna fishing, go with Albacore, and you won’t regret it.
Each of these five Tunas boasts a different texture of meat, a different color, and different taste. Thanks to these characteristics, certain species are better suited for meals like salads, while others are perfect for steak or sushi.
Pale pink and mild in flavor, Yellowfin Tuna are probably the most versatile Tuna food choice. You can find these fish in cans, as well as in the form of steak and sushi. In the US, Yellowfin is a popular sushi option for a couple of reasons. One, it doesn’t come with the premium price tag of Bluefin Tuna, but still offers plenty of value for the money. Two, its meat is a lot leaner and milder tasting than Bluefin and Bigeye, whose fat content contributes to a much more pronounced taste.
In most cases, Yellowfins come in the form of Tuna steak, and you can often find them in restaurants for a relatively fair price. If you prefer to cook Yellowfin on your own, you’ll have no trouble finding them in a supermarket or seafood store.
Prized by foodies and loved by nutritionists, Tuna are among the ocean’s most remarkable foods. Amazing as they are, there are many types of Tuna, and they’re all very different to each other. So how do you make a good Tuna food choice? That’s exactly what you’ll learn today.
Bluefins are widely regarded as the Kings of the Tuna family, and rightfully so. Thanks to a number of physical attributes, Bluefins boast a richness of flavor you just won’t find in another fish.
Levels in Different Species
Levels of mercury in fish are measured either in parts per million (ppm) or micrograms (mcg). Here are some common tuna species and their mercury concentrations (1):
| Species | Mercury in ppm | Mercury (in mcg) per 3 ounces (85 grams) |
| Light tuna (canned) | 0.126 | 10.71 |
| Skipjack tuna (fresh or frozen) | 0.144 | 12.24 |
| Albacore tuna (canned) | 0.350 | 29.75 |
| Yellowfin tuna (fresh or frozen) | 0.354 | 30.09 |
| Albacore tuna (fresh or frozen) | 0.358 | 30.43 |
| Bigeye tuna (fresh or frozen) | 0.689 | 58.57 |
Mercury in Tuna: What Type Is Good and Bad?
FAQ
Is yellowfin tuna better than regular tuna?
Should you eat yellowfin tuna?
Is yellowfin tuna high quality?
What is better eating bluefin or yellowfin tuna?
Is yellowfin tuna a good fish to eat?
You can find these fish in cans, as well as in the form of steak and sushi. In the US, Yellowfin is a popular sushi option for a couple of reasons. One, it doesn’t come with the premium price tag of Bluefin Tuna, but still offers plenty of value for the money.
Blackfin tuna vs Yellowfin tuna: Which is healthier?
Blackfin Tuna and yellowfin Tuna belong to the same Tuna family. But the blackfin Tuna are the smallest fishes among this family. The weight of these fishes is less compared other Tuna family fishes, so commercially they are not cultivated like other Tuna fishes. Nutritionally their protein content, fat content is similar to other Tuna fishes. Tuna species are good sources of lean protein and omega 3 fatty acids and also good sources of vitamin D3. So consuming them weekly twice is more healthier.
Do yellowfin tuna eat crabs?
One type of crustacean that yellowfin tuna often eat is crabs. Crabs are a nutritious and protein-rich food source for yellowfin tuna, providing them with essential nutrients that help them to grow and stay healthy. Yellowfin tuna typically eat small crabs but have been known to consume larger crabs occasionally.
Is yellowfin tuna low calorie?
Yellowfin tuna is a low-calorie and low-cholesterol protein source. A 3-oz. serving of yellowfin tuna has 93 calories. This portion provides 21 grams of protein and has 0.42 grams of fat. It has 0.15 grams of saturated fat, which is less than 1 percent of the daily value (DV) for a 2,000-calorie diet.