Today we will discuss “What are the different types of Tuna that is best for baby?”. In many nutrient diets, fish is a compulsory item due to the nutrients of fish that the body needs for growth and maintenance. However, you need to be aware of a few things before you choose the option of Tuna, especially for young kids and pregnant women.
The reason for seeking your special attention regarding Tuna is that the fish is known to contain Mercury. As a Tuna fan, you may want to feed your baby Tuna after introducing your little one to solid foods. At the same time, several questions may occupy you regarding your selection of Tuna. In this article, we will learn the pros and cons of Tuna, emphasizing the question, “What are the different types of Tuna is best for baby?”
Contents
The Importance of Tuna Nutrients for Your Baby
As per the prescription of pediatricians, parents can start introducing Tuna to their babies at around six months of age. We can recommend a week or so of bitter vegetables for your baby as his first taste and Tuna as one of the next foods afterward. For feeding purposes, you can go for the already-cooked canned Tuna option because it has a long shelf life.
The primary nutrient content of Tuna includes protein without a high saturated fat content, omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins. A California-based dietitian, Ilana Muhlstein says that for proper growth and development, babies and young children require omega-3 fatty acids like DHA, available in fish. For brain and eye development in babies and children, Omega-3s in fish play a vital role. Furthermore, fatty acid aids in lowering the risk of high blood pressure, thereby protecting the heart.
What Are The Different Types of Tuna That is Best for Baby? – TYPES
There are several types of Tuna that you can try feeding your baby. The most commonly canned Tuna is Skipjack Tuna, and secondly, the Albacore Tuna. The other species also have unique features. The most versatile Tuna is Yellowfin. While Bigeye Tuna is famous for its fatty and flavorful types, Bluefin Tuna is good for its rich flavor.
What are the different types of Tuna is best for baby? – The Best Type
As mentioned above, you have several Tuna options at hand. However, with the start of the baby’s weaning, the different types of Tuna you choose to feed your baby is a personal choice. In terms of convenience, already-cooked canned Tuna may be the best option available for you, and the varieties may include skipjack, albacore and yellowfin Tuna.
Eating different types of Tuna can be sustainable, and you may look out for ‘pole and line’ or ‘handline caught’ somewhere on the label when buying Tuna. The reason for following the Pole-and-line and handline methods is that it is the most environmentally sustainable and responsible way of fishing for Tuna compared to net fishing. This method ensures that Tuna stocks are protected.
What Are The Different Types of Tuna That is Best for Baby?- Canned in spring water or is oil ?
In terms of feeding Tuna to your baby, the best type you can buy is Tuna canned in spring water. Unlike Tuna canned in oil, which may cause the waste of Omega-3 fats in the Tuna, spring water does not contribute to harm to any nutrient in Tuna.
Is Tuna an Oily Fish?
Due to the Omega 3 nutrient, there is a misconception among parents that Tuna is an oily fish. But Tuna is not an oily fish. Generally, Omega 3 is found in all fish and is highly abundant in oily fish. Simply put, a portion of Tuna will not count towards one of the portions of oily fish recommended weekly.
The recommended portion of Tuna consumption for children differs according to their gender, as boys can consume up to 4 portions of oily fish per week while girls can consume up to 2 portions of oily fish per week. This difference is because excessive amounts of oil may have a long-lasting effect on girls’ future reproduction.
What Are The Different Types of Tuna That is Best for Baby? -RECIPES
You can prepare several recipes using Tuna to offer your baby an exciting and enjoyable time. One option is to blend Tuna and puree it into a yogurt-like consistency, or you can puree the Tuna with a base, like avocado. All these recipes should be introduced to your baby only after your baby has been introduced to each ingredient individually. I also list some other food items you can prepare for your baby using Tuna. You can easily google the simple recipes to offer them a tasty and nutritious meal.
- Tuna Salad with Yogurt, Served in an Avocado Boat
- Easy Hummus Fish Cakes
- Tuna Cakes
Are There Any Health Risks of Eating Tuna?
- Exposure to Mercury
- Choking risk
- Allergies
The significant risk associated with eating Tuna for an extended period in excess amounts is the increased mercury levels within the body. Being a heavy metal, Mercury can be toxic at high levels and likely to cause neurological issues. Some parents are afraid to feed their children fish, including Tuna, due to the risk of choking. However, Tuna is soft and can easily be broken into smaller chunks or flaked into a sauce. As long as your baby is being supervised during eating, there should be no problem with the different types of Tuna being a choking risk.
I hope you have learned something new regarding “What Are The Different Types of Tuna That is Best for Baby?”. You can learn new tips and lessons of parenting and feeding children’s by browsing our site. Happy reading!
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