Eating Raw Costco Tuna: Benefits and Safety
Costco has always been known for its high-quality, fresh seafood. They believe in providing excellent products at an affordable price and have always maintained a reputation as one of the best places to buy fish in America.
So have no doubt when consuming their tunas raw, as they have been preserved well, therefore safe for human consumption.
Can You Eat Costco Tuna Raw?
Can you eat Costco tuna raw? It’s a question that’s been on many people’s minds for years. You that you can eat Costco tuna raw. You can also enjoy delicious, fresh fish at your local Costco store!
Eating raw tuna might flip your stomach, but raw fish isn’t always dangerous. In fact, there are many health benefits to be gained from eating sushi and other types of raw seafood.
This article digs deep into eating Costco tuna raw, its benefits, and potential side effects.
Should Tuna Be Eaten Raw?
Tuna is a great source of protein. Eating it raw makes it easier to digest. And since the fish has not been cooked or heated, it has a higher content of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.
This can help lower blood pressure and fight off heart disease or cancer. However, some people have allergies or sensitivities to uncooked seafood. If you’re going to eat tuna raw, here are some conditions that must be met before you can safely consume it:
It must be from a reputable source
It must be from a reputable source like Costco. The sushi bar at your local supermarket is a good place to look for tuna. If you are unsure about what kind of tuna it is, ask someone who works there.
The fish must be fresh
Tuna should feel firm and have a slightly dry texture when you squeeze it with your fingers. This means it is fresh and in prime condition. You should also be able to smell the tuna before you buy it. If the fish smells sour or fishy, don’t buy it!
What Sort of Tuna Is Safe to Consume Raw?
Certain types of tuna, such as bluefin and bigeye, are best consumed raw because they contain higher omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids have been linked with a reduced risk of heart disease and other diseases.
Other types of tuna, such as albacore and yellowfin, are not as high in omega-3s but still provide other health benefits. However, the omega-3s in canned tuna are lower than that in fresh tuna, so you may want to stick to that if you’re looking for more nutritional benefits.
They Salmon is another option if you want to try raw fish without worrying about the amount of mercury in it. Salmon comes from sustainably caught salmon that were never farmed or fed with antibiotics or other chemicals.
Its Salmon tends to be lower in mercury than other types of fish like tuna because it doesn’t contain much fat at all—only about 5% compared to 50% on average for canned albacore tuna!
Benefits of Eating Raw Tuna
There are some benefits to eating Costco’s raw tuna as long as you know how to prepare it properly so that it doesn’t get contaminated with bacteria or parasites. Here are some
Increased energy levels
Fish is a great source of protein, which helps keep you satisfied longer after eating a meal. While other foods may leave you feeling bloated or sluggish afterward, eating raw fish gives you more energy to carry out daily tasks.
Added lean muscle mass
Tuna is an excellent source of protein, which helps build lean muscle mass while dieting or maintaining a healthy weight loss program. Research has shown that consuming approximately 1 ounce of tuna — about the size of two fingers — daily can help increase lean muscle mass.
Reduced risk for heart disease and stroke
Raw fish has been linked with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease due to its high omega-3 content (which reduces inflammation). Omega-3 fatty acids have also been found to help reduce the risk of stroke due to their anti-inflammatory properties
It’s Full of Antioxidants
One reason why tuna is so good for your health is because of its high levels of antioxidant vitamins such as Vitamin A and E. These antioxidants help protect your body from heart disease and cancer by neutralizing free radicals that would otherwise damage your cells and organs
Contains iron
Raw tuna is rich in iron, essential for your red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body. It’s also an important part of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout your body. Iron deficiency is one of the most common deficiencies in people who don’t get enough iron in their diet.
If you’re eating a lot of processed foods or aren’t getting enough iron from other sources, you may also want to consider adding some raw tuna to your diet.
It’s an excellent source of selenium
Raw tuna is an excellent source of selenium, a trace mineral that plays a crucial role in producing thyroid hormones and other important metabolic processes. Selenium is also involved in antioxidant activity and immune system function.
Selenium helps maintain healthy skin and hair and is necessary for the proper functioning of your thyroid gland. It also plays a role in maintaining eye health by helping to maintain normal blood flow to the eyes.
Potential Downsides of Eating Raw Tuna
We can’t stress this enough; if you’re a fan of raw fish, tuna is one of the best options. It’s rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids and contains many essential vitamins and minerals.
However, some downsides to eating tuna raw make it less desirable than other types of fish or seafood. For example:
Tuna may contain mercury. If you’re pregnant or nursing, you should limit your consumption of fish with high levels of mercury.
Tuna can contain parasites such as Vibrio vulnificus (a bacteria that causes illness if consumed). It’s best to cook any seafood thoroughly to kill these parasites.
Raw tuna may not be safe for everyone because it contains thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP). This substance helps some people digest their food more efficiently, but it can also cause problems in others who have digestive issues or have been treated with certain drugs (such as beta blockers).
Raw fish may contain parasites like flukes and roundworms. These parasites can be passed through water or contaminated equipment. You’re more likely to get these parasites from wading in streams that run through sewage pipes than from eating raw fish.
Bottom Line
All in all, it’s perfectly fine to eat Costco tuna raw. While it is not the highest quality fish, it’s a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. So long as you like the flavor and enjoy eating tuna, it’s great to have it on hand when you don’t have time to cook.