15 Surprising Health Benefits of Ahi Tuna

Ahi tuna offers impressive nutritional benefits and is packed with essential nutrients that support overall health. Statistics show about 266 million Americans enjoy tuna, with one in four consuming it at least once a week. This is no surprise, as tuna is a tasty, affordable fish that provides numerous health benefits of ahi tuna.

In this article, we'll explore 15 surprising health benefits of ahi tuna which is a popular variant of tuna, especially in Hawaii. We'll also share simple ways to incorporate this nutrient-dense fish into your diet, allowing you to enjoy its ahi tuna nutritional benefits enhancing your meals.

What Is Ahi Tuna?

Tuna comes in several different types, including Albacore, Skipjack, Bluefin, Yellowfin, and Bigfin tuna. Ahi tuna - an alternate name for yellowfin tuna is a popular seafood option in Hawaiian and Asian cuisine.

Ahi tuna is a versatile fish that you can consume raw or cooked, and it's especially popular in sushi, ahi tuna recipes, and grilled dishes.

15 Health Benefits of Eating Ahi Tuna

Ahi tuna is packed with many essential nutrients, making it an excellent addition to your diet. That said, here are the 15 top health benefits of eating ahi tuna:

Ahi Tuna Improves Heart Health

Ahi tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower omega-6 fatty acid and LDL cholesterol levels, which can clog the heart's arteries. In fact, multiple studies have demonstrated that consuming more omega-3 is associated with better cardiovascular health.

So, if you regularly consume processed meats high in saturated fats, such as bacon, salami, or sausages, consider substituting them with ahi tuna to improve your heart health.

Prevents Vision Problems with Tuna Fish

Omega-3 fatty acids can also do wonders for your vision health. According to a study of 39,876 women, seven out of ten who ate multiple servings of tuna weekly had a 68% lower risk of contracting dry eye disease (DED).

As the name implies, DED is a condition that arises when your eyes don't produce enough tears to lubricate your eyes. To prevent DED, consider adding ahi tuna to your diet.

Reduces Risk of Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease

Many people are susceptible to dementia and Alzheimer's disease as they get older. Eating ahi tuna can lower your risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer's disease as you get older, as multiple studies have linked higher omega-3 consumption to decreased cognitive decline.

Tuna Fish May Lower Risk of Cancer

Cancer is one of the top causes of death in the United States. Tuna's omega-3 fatty acids have been found to lower the risk of various cancers. In fact, one study found that people who consume fish high in omega-3 fatty acids have a lower risk of developing colorectal cancer. This is because omega-3 fatty acids can prevent the growth of cancerous tumors.

Ahi Fish Support Weight Loss

Ahi tuna is a lean fish. It's low in calories but rich in protein, meaning that it keeps you sated for longer. So, it's an excellent food option if you want to keep hunger pangs at bay and control how much you eat.  

Ahi Tuna Fish Supports Nerve Function

Your nervous system plays a critical role in various aspects of your health. It controls movement, sensation, perception, and many other functions. Ahi tuna fish contains many nutrients that contribute to healthy nerve function, including vitamins B12 and B6, potassium, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. 

Tuna Fish Helps Regulate Blood Sugar

Tuna fish is rich in protein but contains no carbs, making it an excellent food option for people with blood sugar regulation issues. As a result, the American Diabetes Association recommends eating a serving of fish like ahi tuna at least twice weekly to manage diabetes.

Boosts Immunity with Ahi Tuna’s Nutrients

Ahi tuna is an excellent source of vitamin D, which is essential for immune function. If you're a pescatarian, ahi tuna is arguably one of the best ways to increase vitamin D intake because it isn't available in most plant-based foods. 

A 5-ounce serving of ahi tuna provides 8% of your daily needs for vitamin D, making consuming tuna an excellent way to meet your nutritional needs.

Besides vitamin D, ahi tuna has several other nutrients that boost immunity, such as vitamin C, selenium, zinc, and manganese.

Ahi Tuna Makes Bones Healthy and Strong

Ahi tuna can also enhance your bone health since it's rich in vitamin D — a vitamin that's essential for bone tissue growth. It's also packed with phosphorus, which is vital for the development of strong and healthy bones.

As a result, consuming ahi tuna can reduce your risk of fractures or bone conditions like osteoporosis. 

Reduces Inflammation with Ahi Tuna’s Omega-3s

Many autoimmune, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular diseases arise due to inflammation. Tuna's omega-3 fatty acids can minimize inflammation, preventing many conditions such as lupus, psoriasis, Crohn's disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and heart disease.

Tuna Fish Support Healthy Blood Pressure

Ahi tuna is a rich source of potassium, which can help reduce blood pressure. According to multiple studies, potassium lowers blood pressure by helping the kidneys expel excess sodium. 

Preserving Muscle Mass with Ahi Tuna

Eating lean protein like ahi tuna can help to preserve your muscle mass. Tuna is high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which have been found to improve muscle mass, strength and performance.

Minimizes Risk of Anemia

Vitamin B12 deficiency is one of the primary causes of anemia. Ahi tuna is packed with vitamin B12, which is required to form red blood cells, which help prevent vitamin-deficiency anemia. If you're a pescatarian, consider adding ahi tuna to your diet to reduce your risk of contracting anemia.

Ahi Tuna Supports Skin Health

DHA found in ahi tuna is an essential component of your skin. It acts as a barrier, offering protection against the elements and helping to prevent moisture loss. Meanwhile, EPA promotes hydration, protects the skin against premature aging, and reduces the risk of acne. So, consuming tuna can be incredibly beneficial for your skin.

Ahi Tuna May Lower Risk of Depression

Depression is one of the most common mental conditions, affecting nearly 5% of adults worldwide. Consuming seafood, like tuna, can minimize your risk of developing depression. 

According to a study of postmenopausal women, women who consumed foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids were less likely to have depression. 

How to Incorporate Ahi Tuna Into Your Diet

Ahi tuna is a versatile fish that you can prepare in various ways. If you want to enjoy tuna, here are some simple ways to add it to your diet:

• Add ahi tuna to your favorite salad. It's an excellent way to give your salad more texture and boost its protein content
• Marinade ahi tuna with some oil, brown sugar, and white wine for up to two hours, then grill it for a delicious dish.
• Replace beef with tuna to make a tasty tuna burger.

Looking for more ways to prepare ahi tuna? Check out these 12 ahi tuna recipes for a no-stress dinner.

Buy Ahi Tuna Jerky Online

Some nutritionists consider ahi tuna fish a ''superfood.'' And for good reason. Ahi tuna is a lean fish rich in protein, vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and other nutrients essential for good health.

Ready to experience the benefits of consuming ahi tuna? At Kaimana Jerky, we have a variety of ahi tuna jerky flavors made with wild-caught fish.

Shop our store for a wide collection of ahi tuna jerky and get tasty jerky delivered to your doorstep.