Tuna has always been a favourite food among athletes and bodybuilders. This food is high in protein yet is relatively inexpensive in comparison with other muscle building foods such as chicken, turkey or beef. The only problem you may encounter with eating tuna to build muscle is the taste. There are many ways you can incorporate tuna into your diet. Indeed, some people choose to include tuna in imaginative ways in their meals.
The hardcore bodybuilder usually favours the simple, quick and easy method. This involves opening the can and draining off the liquid. Then you simply eat the contents out of the tin with a fork. This can be unpalatable to some who find it difficult to consume tuna in such a basic form with no added flavouring.
Muscle Protein
For easier consumption, chew some tuna then wash the flakes down with a drink of water. It may sound unusual but this is a very healthy regime if you can maintain it. Not only are you eating a high protein food that does not contain any fat, you are also keeping your body hydrated by drinking a large amount of water. Another way to consume tuna is by mixing it in a blender with water or with other foods. This creates a liquid form of tuna which has been favoured by many famous bodybuilders. It may not be the tastiest protein drink but it is still highly nutritious.
Tuna contains minerals such as selenium, magnesium and potassium as well as several B vitamins. It is also an oily fish that is high in Omega 3 essential fatty acids. Tuna comes in water, brine and sunflower oil. The liquid in the can is down to personal preference and does not really have any bearing on nutritional value.
There are no side effects from consuming large amounts of tuna although there have been questions about the levels of mercury. Most tuna products contain very low levels of mercury so the nutrients far outweigh any real concerns. It is not uncommon for bodybuilders to consume up to four cans of tuna a day with no problems reported. If you are struggling to gain muscle this could be due to lack of protein. Eating tuna to build muscle is a proven way to increase your size and lean mass quickly and it does not cost the earth. Tuna works well alongside sports supplements and your normal diet.