Nutrition and Salmon

Salmon is a highly nutritious food. It’s high in protein, and rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (the good fats). But it also provides the full daily requirement of Vitamin D (one of the few foods that can make this claim), as well as over half of the necessary B12, niacin, and selenium, and is an excellent source of B6, and magnesium. Salmon is a high-protein, low in sodium meal that is important for kids and adults alike, since omega-3s help protect against heart disease, promote healthy skin and joints, and are essential to proper neurological development in unborn babies and young children. The sheer number of advantages and good benefits which come from a steady diet of salmon is remarkable, and experiencing them only involves a few minor changes to your diet.

• Salmon provides higher levels of Omega-3 fatty acids than most other fish sources.
• Omega-3s help lock moisture into skin cells, encouraging the production of strong collagen and elastin fibers, which aid in youthful looking skin, and help reduce skin blemishes.
• Along with strengthening skin cells, Omega-3s can help maintain healthy joints by reducing inflammation and limiting joint pain.
• Numerous reports show that Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and joint pain.
• Required throughout pregnancy, Omega-3 fatty acids are critical for proper brain, eye and nervous system development in the developing fetus.
• Another benefit of omega-3s anti-inflammatory effects may be their ability to protect our skin against sunburn, and possibly, skin cancer.
• While high in essential fatty-acids, salmon is low in “bad” fats, or saturated fats. Salmon has approximately a third of the saturated fat of lean ground beef and 50 percent less saturated fat than chicken.
• Compared to hamburger, steak, and pork loin, salmon contains 20 percent more protein.
• This low-fat, high protein food source is also low in calories. One serving of salmon contains less calories than both beef or chicken, as well as many other fish.
• In addition to essential amino acids, high-quality proteins help maintain an active metabolism, which plays an integral role in weight loss.