Fara 11 September 2009 General Health, Healthy Foods 831 views One Comment/Trackback Print This Post  Email This Post

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Benefits of Salmon: From Protein to Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Salmon is an ‘anadromous’ type of fish, simply means that it can live in both freshwaters and seawaters. Salmon lives in the river for reproduction process and after birth, the young salmon will continue their life in the sea. In other words, it means that each time a salmon wants to release its eggs; it will swim back to the river. There are also facts saying that a salmon will actually swim back to the exact river where they were first born! Take salmon fishes from the Chinook group from Idaho for example, which swam and travel 900 miles and climb up 7000 feet from underwater valleys in the Pacific Ocean just for the sake of reproduction.

Another interesting fact about the salmon is that it will die as soon as it finishes releasing all its eggs. That shows how unique and exclusive this fish is, and it also offers a great deal of nutritional values, and can certainly bring something new and excitement to your healthy eating plans.

Benefits and Nutritional Values of Salmon

Salmon fish meat provides its consumer with plenty of nutrients, which is inclusive of the needed protein, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, vitamins and several other minerals. A serving of 4 ounce of wild salmon is able to provide a person with the adequate daily need of Vitamin D. Salmon that are packaged and tinned together with their bones believed to be able to supply a considerably high amount of calcium to its consumer.

It can be said that one of the most prominent nutrition aspect of salmon is due to omega-3 fatty acids content. Omega-3 fatty acids that existed as part of essential component of this fish’s meat are capable of reducing inflammation and prevent several diseases such as certain types of cancer, diabetes, strokes, arthritis and heart diseases. The two constituents of omega-3 fatty acids respectively called as DHA and EPA are very useful and significant in the functional and structural development of the brain.

Other health benefits of salmon include:

Ø Omega-3 fatty acids and protein that exist in salmon flesh is believed to be very helpful for us to getting better skin condition and complexion.

Ø Other nutrients within it are able to assist in the production of collagen, which is very important for women mostly – especially to maintain skin youth and reduce ageing effects.

Ø Omega 3 fatty acids in salmon also play an important role in reducing cholesterol and blood pressure level, as well as maintaining flexibility of arteries, veins and strengthening of cardiac muscles.

Ø Proteins in salmon are important in building our body’s cells, tissues, enzymes, hormones and every other body parts.

So, does this mean that you can eat salmon all that you want to get the best of its benefits? I can simply say no to this because there’s always a risk with anything extreme. You should always remember to pay attention to your diet so that you’re actually practicing healthy eating plans and healthy eating habits by combining all kinds of food and with moderate amount of servings.

What about raw salmon?

If possible, it is best to avoid eating it raw because raw salmon meat usually contains ‘Anisakis nematodes’, which is a type of ocean parasite that can lead to ‘Anisakias’. Perhaps you’re a fan of ‘sashimi’ and ‘sushi’? Well, you can enjoy these authentic foods once in a while but remember to limit your intake. If possible, try to opt for a more less ‘raw’ options such as smoked salmon.

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