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The Effects of Canned Tuna

Eating fish as part of a healthy diet offers a number of benefits -- consuming 6 ounces of fish each week reduces your risk of fatal heart disease by 36 percent, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Canned tuna is a convenient way to meet your recommended intake of heart-healthy fish. Consuming tuna positive effects on your health, but some types of canned tuna also pose some nutritional drawbacks.

Higher Protein Intake

Eating canned tuna has the effect of increasing your protein take. Each 4-ounce serving of oil- or water-packed canned tuna contains around 30 grams of protein. This amount corresponds to approximately 50 percent of the recommended daily protein intake for an average 150-pound person or around 38 percent of the daily protein intake for an average 200-pound person, according to the Iowa State University Extension. Tuna serves as a source of complete protein -- one that provides all 10 amino acids your body needs to survive. Your body utilizes these amino acids to maintain healthy tissue and uses specific amino acids to help support brain function and maintain a healthy hormone balance.

Higher Omega-3 Fatty Acid Intake

Canned tuna also affects your health due to the fish’s fat content. The fish provides a modest source of omega-3 fatty acids, essential fats your body uses to maintain healthy skin and hair and to maintain the health of your cardiovascular system and brain. A 4-ounce serving of drained, canned tuna packed in water contains approximately 0.3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids, or 19 percent of your daily recommended intake, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. Canned tuna packed in oil contains less omega-3 fatty acids compared to drained, water-packed tuna, providing only 0.14 grams of the fatty acids per 4-ounce serving, or 9 percent of your daily recommended intake.

A Negative: Salt Intake

One negative effect of eating canned tuna is an increase in your sodium, or salt, intake. Your body needs some sodium to help regulate your body’s fluid balance, but excess sodium intake forces your body to retain water, leading to bloating and high blood pressure. A 4-ounce serving of water- or oil-packed canned tuna contains 383 or 401 milligrams of sodium, respectively -- about one-fourth of your recommended daily sodium intake, according to the Linus Pauling Institute. If you suffer from a health condition that requires you to limit your sodium intake, consume canned tuna in moderation to avoid eating too much salt.