During pregnancy, it is always safe to watch your intake of fishes in general, due to the risk factors involved. Tuna, one of the most widely consumed fishes of North America, also require contemplation before it is consumed when pregnant because of its mercury content. Learn about  the nutritional benefits as well as the various considerations required in consuming tuna during pregnancy, from this article.

Nutritional Attributes of Tuna In Pregnancy:

• Nutritional and health benefits of tuna can never be underestimated.
• Tuna is a very rich source of protein which is very much required for a pregnant woman for their babies’ development.
• Tuna provide more than 80% of daily requirement of vitamin B12 and more than 30% of daily requirement of vitamin B6.
• It also provide 100% of niacin required for a day and small quantities of vitamins A and E.
• Minerals like iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, and manganese are also found in reasonable quantities in tuna.
• The omega 3 fatty acids available in tuna are very much helpful for pregnant women during pregnancy as well as breastfeeding period.
• The selenium content of tuna aids in flushing out toxins from the body of the expecting mothers.
• Iron content of tuna helps in protecting the moms-to-be from anemia and related problems.
• Polyunsaturated fatty acids of tuna are highly beneficial in maintaining the blood pressure  during pregnancy and helps in maintaining the cholesterol levels too.

Hazards Associated With Tuna Consumption During Pregnancy:

• Tuna, in its original form may contain mercury in a reasonable amount, which makes its consumption unsafe during pregnancy. This is because, foods with mercury content may cause brain disorders and neural problems in your babies’.
• In some pregnant women, tuna allergy may appear, which is characterized by following symptoms:

1. Shortness of breath
2. Inflammation in specific body parts
3. Tingling sensation in inflammated areas
4. Anaphylactic shock in worse case.

Tips For Tuna Consumption When Pregnant:

• Canned tunas contain low content of mercury than fresh ones
• Ensure that they are properly cooked.
• Do not have heavy portion sizes of tunas. Instead go for mixed varieties of fishes with low-mercury content.

Now moms-to-be! Try out various delicious recipes of tunas, provided you are not allergic towards it and they have low mercury content.

Image Credit: 21food.com