If you’re looking for the perfect food that’s packed with nutrients, low in calories and big on taste, we’ve got good news for you: tuna has it all.

Tuna is a popular lunch and dinner food that can be prepared in so many delicious ways. And it won’t break your diet bank! (In fact, amazingly, it may actually help you lose weight.)

Today we explore the incredible health benefits of tuna and why you should add it to your own healthy eating plan.

1. Tuna Protects Your Heart

Tuna is packed with healthy Omega-3 fatty acids. Both canned and fresh tuna contain about one-third the recommended allowance of Omega-3s per six-ounce serving.

Studies have shown Omega-3s lower your level of unhealthy triglycerides, which can cause damage over time. Omega-3s also keep blood pressure at appropriate levels. This means a reduced risk of heart attack and stroke when you consume more foods like tuna.

2. Tuna Boosts Your Immune System

Tuna is naturally high in zinc and Vitamin C, two nutrients that work together to help your body fight circulating germs.

Zinc is backed by science as shortening the length of the common cold. And Vitamin C is the well-known gold standard for better health. Make tuna a regular part of your diet during cold and flu season (or any time of year). You’ll love this incredible health benefit of tuna!

3. Tuna Boosts Weight Loss

Here’s some really great news: eating more tuna can help you control your weight.

One serving of fresh tuna contains nearly half the protein you need in a day. Research has shown that protein makes you feel fuller and keeps your insulin levels steady. People who eat more protein have lower, slower insulin and glucose release, which minimizes hunger.

Get this amazing (and slimming!) health benefit with just three ounces of water-packed or fresh tuna, which delivers a whopping 25 grams of protein.

4. Tuna Improves Your Mood

Have you heard of the mood-boosting benefits of B vitamins? Tuna has plenty of these, incluiding B12, which has been associated with healthy mood and a lifting of depression.

B vitamins work directly with your brain and nervous system to keep your mood positive. In particular, Vitamin B12 keeps your brain in balance. Eat three ounces of fresh bluefin tuna and get a surprising 153% your recommended daily allowance of B12 for a happy mood all day long.

5. Tuna Fights Cancer

Tuna is high in antioxidants, especially Vitamin C. Antioxidants are important because they act against free radicals, which can cause damage to the DNA in your cells. When that damage occurs, cancer is more likely to form.

By gathering together these free radicals and helping remove them from the body, the Vitamin C in tuna can help keep you cancer-free. Be sure to include other healthy habits, such as not smoking, getting regular sleep and eating whole foods, experts advise.

6. Tuna Helps Prevent Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is more prevalent among women 50 and over than in any other age group. But it starts much earlier than that, according to medical experts. That means you should start your prevention plan now.

Vitamin B12 – which is present in high amounts in tuna – helps keep bones healthy. It prevents B12-deficiency anemia, which has been associated with bone loss. It’s also a critical component to the growth of the cells that make up bone. You can get your complete daily allowance of B12 in just two ounces of tuna, so eat up, health experts say.

Surprised by these incredible health benefits of tuna? Then you’ll be amazed at how you feel once you make super-healthy tuna a part of your plan. Just a few ounces a day of tuna can boost your health and make you ready to take control today, and every day.