The Health Benefits of Salmon
Is Salmon Healthy for You?
People have been eating salmon ever since it was discovered in waters across the globe. In Irish mythology, salmon is thought to bring wisdom and knowledge to whoever eats it and modern day science and food technology has also found that this delicious fish has some excellent health benefits.
Salmon benefits health in a variety of ways. Classed as an "oily fish", salmon is considered to be a nutrient filled food due to it's high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, vitamins A, B and D and is also praised for it's high protein content among many other factors. But what benefits can salmon bring to your health? Let's talk about Salmon, nutrition and the health benefits salmon can bring.
Salmon for Heart Health
As salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, consuming 1-2 servings per week will help to reduce your bad cholesterol (LDL) levels. While the omega-3's are reducing your bad cholesterol levels they are also increasing your good cholesterol (HDL) levels.
The omega-3 levels work to decrease your blood pressure levels, and prevent the heart attack causing hardening of your arteries while also working to repair heart damage and strengthen the muscles of the heart.
Salmon Brain Food
Our brains are made up of around 60% fat, most of that being DHA which is found in the omega-3 fatty acids that salmon is full of. These fatty acids help your brain to function better and work to improve your memory.
Along with the omega-3's, the vitamins A and D, amino acids and selenium found in salmon work to protect your nervous system from aging and act as a natural mood stimulant. Eating 1-2 serves of salmon each week has also shown to reduce the risk of developing diseases such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's and reduce the risk of stroke by preventing blood clots in the brain.
Salmon for muscle and joint health
As salmon is rich in protein that is easy for the body to digest and absorb, these proteins (known as amino acids) provide support for joint cartilage and has been linked to reduced joint pain.
Salmon for digestive health
The high levels of amino acids in salmon have shown to control inflammation in the digestive tract. Recent studies have seen salmon peptides used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis and scientists are investigating as to whether consumption of salmon is linked to the reduced risk of colorectal cancer.
Salmon for eye health
Increased consumption of omega-3 fatty acids has been associated with the decreased risk of both macular degeneration and chronic dry eye. In the case of macular degeneration, 1-2 salmon servings per week has been shown to significantly decrease risk while for the decreased risk of chronic dry eye a higher intake is needed with the minimum recommended intake being 2-4 servings per week and 5-6 servings per week being optimal.
Not only is this super fish great for your health, it also tastes fantastic! Find out How to Choose the Best Piece of Salmon and How to Bake Salmon and really enjoy the health benefits of this fish!