A tuna and fruit diet is not a specific diet plan but rather a diet that encourages the consumption of these foods because of its potential health benefits. Tuna is a large and oily fish that is an excellent source of protein and is relatively low in calories. Tuna in your diet provides high amount of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids as well as niacin, selenium, vitamin B1 and B6. The nutrients in fruits vary depending on the type you choose to eat. Most fruits are sources of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Tuna is loaded with beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. According to the American Dietetic Association, omega-3 fatty acids help lower cholesterol levels and the risk for heart disease. This polyunsaturated fat also prevents blood clotting which reduces your chance of blocked arteries and heart attack. In "The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth," Dr. Jonny Bowden states that omega-3s play a role in the development of the brain. Bowden also believes the fatty acids are useful for inflammation, circulation and blood sugar control.
Significance of Vitamin D
Vitamin D, or the "sunshine vitamin," is manufactured by the body after exposure to sunshine. According to the University of California at Berkeley, vitamin D is a difficult nutrient to obtain from food. Tuna is unique in that it contains a significant amount of the nutrient. Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium and phosphorous which are needed for maintaining healthy bones and teeth. According to "Foods That Harm Foods That Heal," vitamin D prevents the kidneys from excreting protein in the urine.
Considerations for Tuna
Tuna is a large fish which makes it more likely to be contaminated with high levels of a toxic element called mercury. According to the Reader's Digest Association, the toxic metal is often linked to a delayed development of the brain. For this reason, pregnant women and young children are advised to limit the amount of tuna they eat to once a week. According to Dr. Bowden, exposure to mercury can increase your risk of kidney damage, nervous disorders and respiratory failure.
Significance of Fresh Fruits
In "The Raw Food Lifestyle," Dr. Ruthann Russo says that raw or living fruits are best for your body because they contain natural enzymes. Russo believes that cooking, canning, freezing and heating destroys the live enzymes present in fruits and other raw foods. In "The Raw Food Detox Diet," author Natalia Rose claims that live enzymes are necessary in your diet to aid in the digestion and absorption of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Include enzyme-rich fruits in your diet such as avocados, cherries, papayas, pineapples, bananas, cranberries, grapes, figs and dates.
Function of Antioxidants
The Reader's Digest Association defines free radicals as unstable molecules that damage healthy cells in your body. Excessive exposure to free radicals from ultra-violet rays, tobacco smoke, environmental pollutants, herbicides and pesticides can result in cancer and other diseases. This includes heart disease, cataracts, macular degeneration and premature aging. Fruits and other plant foods contain protective compounds called antioxidants. Antioxidants function by binding and neutralizing free radicals to make them harmless. The major antioxidants found in fruits include vitamin C and E, beta-carotene and selenium.
References
- "The American Dietetic Association's Complete Food and Nutrition Guide"; The American Dietetic Association; 1996
- "Foods That Harm Foods That Heal";The Reader's Digest Association Inc.;1997
- "The Wellness Encyclopedia of Food and Nutrition"; The University of California at Berkeley; 1992
- "The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth," Jonny Bowden, PhD; 2007
- "The Raw Food Detox Diet"; Natalia Rose; 2007
- "The Raw Food Lifestyle"; Ruthann Russo, PhD; 2008
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