Canned sardines, tuna and mackerel are not only practical to prepare, they are also nutritional bombs. Discover all the good reasons to keep a few boxes in your kitchen (and the best recipes to prepare them).
The recent cases of botulism which struck customers of a Bordeaux restaurant who had eaten homemade canned sardines may have left you cold. But as reminds the Pasteur Institutethese cases of botulism are essentially due to toxins which develop in homemade canned foods (not only fish) which have not been sufficiently sterilized.
Are you reassured? Questioned by the American site Eating Well, the nutritionist Breana Lai Killeen explained why she advises including canned fish sold on the shelves, including salmon, sardines, mackerel or anchovies, to name just a few, in a balanced diet.
“Canned fish are shelf-stable nutritional bombs full of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. And it should be remembered that eating fish, particularly those containing omega-3 fatty acids, is one of the pillars of the Mediterranean diet, considered the best healthy diet in the world?
4 convincing reasons to adopt canned fish
1. It is an excellent source of omega-3
A diet rich in omega-3 can have a positive effect on the entire body, as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory in nature. They help protect against heart disease by improving “good” HDL cholesterol and also play a key role in joint health.
2. Fish keeps longer than fresh or frozen
An estimated 27% of all fish caught globally are discarded, according to a 2018 UN report, due to their very short shelf life. While canned fish lasts up to several years instead of several days. It’s also a great option for traveling, camping and picnics when refrigeration is not an option.
3. It is an excellent source of vitamin D and calcium
Vitamin D and calcium work in tandem to support bone health. Although your body can produce vitamin D through sunlight, it is one of the most difficult nutrients to get into your diet. However, canned fish such as tuna, salmon, trout and sardines are one of the main food sources.
4. It’s tasty and easy to prepare
Probably the best reason to eat canned fish is because it’s flavorful and simple to prepare, either on its own or as an ingredient. Many types of canned fish, like octopus, squid, and mussels, can be served straight from cans with crackers, but others are great for adding to recipes.
The best recipes for my canned fish: