You’ve probably heard that eating salmon is good for you and that it’s an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. But do you really know all of the potential health benefits of salmon? The World’s Healthiest Foods breaks down salmon to help us understand the power of this food.

Salmon is commonly known for having a high content of omega-3 fats. In fact, The World’s Healthiest Foods lists in its nutritional chart that four ounces of wild, Coho Salmon contain 55% of the daily dietary requirement of omega-3’s. The site notes that only two other foods provide more omega-3:  flaxseeds and walnuts.

Why are omega-3 fatty acids important? Consider this:

  • Consuming foods with omega-3 helps to lower your risk of developing a heart attack, having a stroke, or other cardiovascular issues. This means eating more fish to get the benefit which is about 6 ounces 2-3 times each week.

 

  • Omega-3 helps to lower the risk of certain mental health problems. These include depression, anger, and for older persons cognitive issues that are associated with age.  Additionally, there may be a link between consuming omega-3 and IQ.

 

  • Inflammation and joint-related problems can be addressed with omega-3.

 

  • Two common eye problems, chronic dry eye, and macular degeneration can be addressed by eating fish rich in omega-3.

 

  • Omega-3 has been connected to reducing the risk of developing certain kinds of cancer, including prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and breast cancer.

Salmon also contains other health benefits 

  • Bioactive proteins, which have a positive impact on cartilage in the joints, keeping inflammation in the digestive system at bay, and insulin levels.

 

  • Selenium, which also fights inflammation in the joints and prevents colorectal cancer.

There are several varieties of salmon in the United States in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The World’s Healthiest Foods recommends Alaskan salmon that are wild-caught, as these have the least risk of containing containments such as persistent organic pollutants, pesticides, and mercury.

Want to learn more about the health benefits of salmon? Read the full article here:  Salmon.