Fish is often praised for providing various health benefits, and oily fish has been shown to improve hair and skin.
However, an expert explained why overeating tuna could actually lead to hair loss.
Co-founder and hair transplant surgeon at Smile Hair Clinic Dr Mehmet Erdogan explained that tuna is high in mercury, which can damage hair follicles.
He added that just one tuna sandwich a day could increase mercury intake to 7.8 times higher than the UK average, which could cause hair loss and even damage the nervous system and kidneys.
A tuna sandwich every day could be behind hair loss
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The doctor explained: "That tuna sandwich you have every day might be the culprit for your receding hairline. A study from 2019 has found that high mercury dietary intake via tuna consumption has caused hair loss for a 43-year-old woman."
Indeed, a 2019 study published in the National Library of Medicine looked at the role of high mercury in causing early menopause and reversible alopecia.
The small study of two women demonstrated a link between high levels of mercury and reversible menopause and hair loss, although it concluded more research is needed.
Dr Erdogan added: "Foods rich in fish oil, such as salmon, anchovies and sardines, when consumed excessively, might cause hair loss.
"A 2022 study on mice found that feeding mice a high-fat, fish oil-rich diet for three months resulted in significant hair loss." Britons need to ensure they eat the right amount of oily fish.
The Food Standards Agency added that mercury builds up in tuna when they consume contaminated prey, and levels are significantly higher than in other types of fish.
Other foods that can get in the way of thick, healthy locks are those high in sugars. Watch out for processed foods or even seemingly healthy snacks.
The doctor added: "Eating high-sugar foods can affect hair follicles by causing inflammation and follicular metabolic changes.
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Mecury can damage hair follicles, according to the doctor
GETTY"A study involving 1,000 men from 2022 found that consuming high levels of sugar resulted in significantly more hair loss than those with lower sugar intake.
"Even consuming apparently 'healthy' foods such as flavoured yoghurts, breakfast cereals and some types of bread can elevate your sugar intake levels without you even realising it."
This comes as an expert suggested changing what you have for breakfast to get thicker and healthier hair, particularly around menopause. They said the right foods "play a key role" in hair health.
