🍣 Salmon Quick Facts
🥗 Due it’s nutritious profile, salmon is widely considered as one of the most nutritious food on the planet. It’s packed with nutrients, such as:
- High quality protein
- Omega-3 fatty acids (a heart-healthy fat which decreases inflammation and supports brain health)
- Selenium (important in DNA synthesis, thyroid hormone metabolism, and reproductive system health)
- Phosphorus
- B vitamins (vitamin B12, often neglected, is of great interest, as it’s necessary for red blood cell production and central nervous system health. 100gr of salmon cover its daily needs)
🍣 Salmon’s red colour is due the compound Astaxanthin, a member of the carotenoid antioxidant family. Astaxanthin lowers the risk of heart disease by reducing LDL and increasing HDL cholesterol levels. Some studies suggest that it also reduces inflammation and fatty plaque buildup in arteries, working together with omega-3. One review also mentioned possible skin health benefits (improve elasticity, prevent wrinkles)
🏪 Salmon bought in stores is mostly farmed. Although hard to find and quite expensive, wild salmon is of higher quality, as it contains higher amounts of protein, and hasn’t been administered with antibiotics.
⚠️ However, both types of salmon contain contaminants such as PCBs and dioxin (due to environmental pollution) which can alter hormone levels and harm our health.
đź’Š It is advised to avoid salmon from countries with loose regulations about antibiotic use (e.g. Chile)
🤔 Lastly, salmon is believed to contain mercury, however the amount is lower than other fish such as swordfish and tuna.
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