Why Do I Crave Tuna? Top 5 Reasons

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Why Am I Craving Tuna

Do you love the taste of tuna fish? Many people do, but why is that?

What is it about this particular type of seafood that makes it so crave-able?

In this blog post, we will discuss some of the top reasons why people love tuna fish.

We will also explore the nutritional benefits of eating this popular seafood dish.

So, if you are wondering why you can’t get enough tuna, read on for some interesting insights!

1 – Taste

One of the most common reasons why people love tuna is because of its taste.

Tuna has a unique flavor that is both meaty and dense.

It also has a creamy texture that melts in your mouth.

Fresh tuna also tends to be sweet and salty, with a pronounced fishiness.

However, this flavor is reduced when tuna is canned or preserved.

Tuna also takes on the flavors of other ingredients very well.

For example, it pairs nicely with mayonnaise, cheese, and cream.

This makes it a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different recipes.

So, if you are looking for a seafood dish that is packed with flavor, tuna is a great option.

2 – Nutritional benefits

In addition to being delicious, tuna is also very nutritious.

This type of fish is a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A and D.

Tuna is also low in calories and saturated fat.

This makes it a healthy option for those who are trying to lose weight or maintain their weight.

Eating tuna regularly can also help to improve your overall health.

For example, it has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Tuna is also a good source of selenium, which is a mineral that helps to boost the immune system.

So, if you are looking for a healthy seafood option, tuna is a great choice.

3 – Protein

Tuna is a great source of protein, which is important for building muscle.

Protein is made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks of muscle tissue.

When you eat foods that are high in protein, your body breaks down the amino acids and uses them to repair and build new muscle tissue.

This is why protein is often referred to as the “building block” of muscle.

Tuna is a particularly good source of protein because it contains all of the essential amino acids that your body needs.

This means that your body can use it to build muscle efficiently.

So, if you are looking for a food that will help you build muscle, eating fish and especially tuna is a great option.

4 – Fat

Tuna is a low-fat protein choice with about two grams of fat per two and a half ounce portion of solid white albacore tuna.

More importantly, the majority of fat in tuna is healthy unsaturated fats, like omega three fatty acids.

Some fat is important to help absorb vitamins and minerals from the meal you’re eating.

Tuna is a good source of healthy fats, which can help to improve your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease.

So, if you are looking for a seafood option that is low in fat, tuna is a great choice.

5 – Pregnancy

There are many different food cravings women experience while pregnant and tuna is one of them!

Because tuna and pregnancy questions are so common, let’s answer a few of the more common questions!

Is it normal to crave tuna while pregnant?

It is perfectly normal to crave tuna while pregnant.

This is because tuna is a good source of protein, healthy fats, omega three fatty acids, and vitamins A and D.

If you are pregnant then your body needs more calories, protein and healthy fats than normal.

Tuna is a great way to get these nutrients.

So, if you find yourself craving tuna while pregnant, then it is perfectly normal and you should go ahead and eat it. A tuna sandwich is a great idea!

If buying canned tuna, best to stick with the Skipjack just to be safe (see below for more info on canned tuna)!

When do cravings for tuna typically start during pregnancy?

Food cravings in pregnancy typically start in the first trimester and peak in the second.

So, if you find yourself craving tuna during pregnancy, it is more likely that you are in the second trimester.

Of course food cravings vary from person to person.

Is it safe to eat tuna during pregnancy?

The FDA states that “The 2015-20 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends women who are pregnant or breastfeeding to consume 8 to 12 ounces (2 to 3 servings) per week of a variety of fish lower in mercury.”

The FDA and EPA just revised these guidelines, based on the mercury content typically found in specific fish, to help you determine which fish are safe, how much of that fish should be consumed, and which fish to avoid.

Is tuna good for pregnancy?

Fish is now recommended as part of a pregnant woman’s healthy diet in the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Tuna has a number of health benefits for both you and your baby.

Here are some examples:

  • Protein – necessary for your baby’s growth 
  • Omega-3 fatty acids – help with infant brain and eye development
  • Vitamin D – helps to strengthen the immune system and promote bone growth
  • Iron – aids in infant brain and nervous system development

Why you shouldn’t regularly eat canned tuna?

Many people are concerned about the mercury levels in canned tuna.

However, it’s important to keep in mind the ratio of selenium to mercury determines whether the mercury is a danger. Selenium binds to the mercury and the body excretes the complex in the urine with no harm to the body.

  • So if there is more selenium than mercury all the mercury will be absorbed.
  • If there is less selenium than mercury there will be some mercury remaining.

Most tuna cans contain Skipjack tuna which has more selenium than mercury. So these cans are definitely safe.

Other fish species such as other tuna, tilefish, king mackerel, and swordfish have more mercury than selenium. You may want to avoid these.

For more info on sustainably sourced fish please see this Tuna Shopping Guide, the fish on this list will definitely be safe to eat!

Why Am I Craving Tuna Conclusion

There are a few things that your body could be lacking if you crave fish, such as tuna.

One of the most common reasons is that you may be lacking in fat and protein. And one common reason you might need more fat and protein than normal is pregnancy!

Your body needs these nutrients in order to function properly. Go ahead and eat fish!

Another reason why you may be craving fish is because you may be low in omega three fatty acids.

These are essential nutrients that help to improve your overall health.

So, if you find yourself craving fish, it is important to make sure that you are eating foods which contain these nutrients.

Double check the list about the fish with too much mercury but otherwise, overall fish cravings are fine so go ahead!

For more info about food cravings read this chart.

About the Author

Jared Levenson is a former binge eating wrestler turned Zen Buddhist Monk, Internal Family Systems counselor and nutrition wellness coach. He's helped hundreds of people through universal meal principles and internal family systems to make peace with food, stop binge eating, and find true health and wholeness.

@jared_levenson

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