Can you eat john west tuna when pregnant?
In this article we are going to answer can you eat John West tuna when pregnant, what is the effect of mercury in pregnant women, why does mercury fish levels matter, what type of fish to avoid when pregnant, and what type of fish you can eat when pregnant, benefits of eating fish when pregnant and how to safely add tuna to your diet.
Can you eat John West tuna when pregnant?
Yes, you can eat John west tuna when pregnant. Pregnant women can safely eat tinned or canned tuna.
According to the brand, John West, their tuna is routinely tested and monitored for mercury levels and other potential environmental contaminants. The levels of mercury in their tuna are under the maximum levels permitted under EU/UK legislation.
Uk Food Standards Agency, advises that if you are trying to get pregnant or pregnant, you should eat no more than the equivalent of 4 cans of tuna a week (about 130-140 grams of tuna drained per can).
What is John West tuna?
John West is a United Kingdom-based seafood marketing company established in 1857. It is owned by Thai Union Group. They produced canned salmon and tuna, as well as mackerel, sardine, herring, brisling, anchovies, and shellfish.
Their tuna is qualified as excellent quality where the tuna is in visible chunks rather than pureed. Also, it tastes good. It is cooked twice before being packed to prevent any food poisoning.
Why does the mercury level in the fish matter?
Previously, the FDA recommended pregnant women and women that were planning to get pregnant lower their intake of fish because of mercury. Mercury is a neurotoxin that is found in many fish. Now, they recommend consuming more fish because fish contain vital nutrients such as omega 3, proteins, vitamins, and minerals essential for this stage of life.
What is the effect of mercury in pregnancy?
Mercury can be very harmful to a developing baby’s brain but it has been shown that in small quantities during pregnancy it doesn’t have a harmful effect or any problem.
Mercury can damage parts of your body and baby, including the lung, kidney, and nervous system, including the brain causing hearing and vision problems.
What type of fish should pregnant women avoid?
Usually, pregnant women should avoid:
- Swordfish
- Shark
- Tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico
- Mackerel King
- Marlin
- Bigeye tuna
- Orange roughy
To reduce the risk of eating mercury, do not eat any uncooked fish or raw seafood.
What type of fish can pregnant women eat?
Enjoy two 6-oz servings per week
- Salmon
- Anchovies
- Catfish
- Flounder
- Tilapia
- Canned tuna
- Gefilte
- Skate
- Smelt
- Squid (calamari)
- Whitefish
- Whiting
- Sole
It is recommended to eat 8 to 12 ounces of low mercury fish. That amount is to be approx 2 to 3 servings per week of low mercury fish, according to the FDA.
What are the benefits of eating fish when pregnant?
Fish provide key nutrients that support a child’s brain development. It provides key nutrients, omega 3 fatty acids, iron, iodine, choline, zinc, protein, vitamin b12, and selenium.
- Support fetal growth
- Excellent for baby’s brain
- Boost and improves mom’s brain
- Support mom’s heart
- Reduce the risk of preterm
Support fetal growth
It is an excellent source of protein that is crucial for a baby’s growth and development.
Excellent for baby’s brain
It is an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acid, it has been proven to boost a baby’s brain development.
Boost and improves mom’s brain
It helps to improve and boost mom’s brain and memory. It’s essential for moms’ and babies’ brains.
Support mom’s heart
Omega 3 fatty acids are very important for heart health. It reduces the risk of cardiac disease and helps blood clotting to work well. Reduces levels of triglycerides.
Is John West Tuna healthy to eat when pregnant?
John West tuna is a super healthy source of protein and is one of the healthiest canned fish you can eat. You can make it part of a healthy balanced diet when pregnant. Just one can of John West tuna contains 30 grams of protein. You can eat a maximum of 4 cans per week when pregnant.
A healthy balanced diet is as simple as eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
A few nutrients need special attention during pregnancy, like folic acid, calcium, vitamin D, and omega 3 fatty acids.
- Ideally, 2 servings of fruit and 5 servings of vegetables every day
- Increase your intake of whole grains and cereal foods. Choose high fiber options
- Milk, hard cheese, and yogurt are great options because they are high calcium foods.
- Choose low-fat options and good fats: fats from vegetable sources like almonds, olive oil, and avocado.
- Choose lean proteins and choose low mercury fish options.
- Drink plenty of water
- Always stay active
Want some ideas on how to add John West tuna to your diet? Follow this link.
Other FAQs about Tuna that you may be interested in.
Can you put unopened tuna in the fridge?
Is it bad to put canned tuna in the fridge?
Can tuna go bad in the fridge?
Conclusion
This article answered can you eat John West tuna when pregnant, what is the effect of mercury in pregnant women, why does mercury fish levels matter, what type of fish to avoid when pregnant, and what type of fish you can eat when pregnant, benefits of eating fish when pregnant and how to safely add tuna to your diet.
Citation
https://www.perpetualwellbeing.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Mercury-in-Fish.pdf
