Sardines, which can be bought for as little as 59p a tin, are being highlighted as a superfood that Brits should eat around twice a week to support heart health.
The British Heart Foundation recommends eating oily fish such as sardines about twice a week. Cornish Sardines calls the fish a 'superfood' because of its nutritional benefits.
What the experts recommend
"It’s recommended that we should all be eating at least two portions of fish a week, including at least one of oily fish," the British Heart Foundation advises.
"Oily fish tend to naturally have coloured or darker flesh (ignore the colour of the skin) – think salmon, trout, pilchards or sardines," it adds.
An affordable option
While some oily fish like salmon can be expensive, sardines are sold in tins and often cost under £1. At Aldi, a tin of sardines costs 59p, while at Tesco and Morrisons they are 60p.
The British Heart Foundation says sardines provide a type of omega-3 that you can’t get from other foods, which "may help to keep your heart healthy".
Nutritional benefits
"Whether oily or white, fish is a great source of protein and contains a range of vitamins and minerals," the British Heart Foundation adds.
"Eating more fish can also help you to cut down on red and processed meat. The traditional Mediterranean-style diet, which is associated with a lower risk of heart and circulatory diseases, includes plenty of fish along with beans and lentils as sources of protein."
According to the Cleveland Clinic, sardines offer four key benefits: they support muscle building and tissue repair through protein, promote heart health, help improve brain health, and provide high amounts of calcium for bone health.
