Salmon Nutrition…
2009 July 21
Salmon is low in sodium, and a good source of Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Magnesium and Phosphorus, and a very good source of Protein, Niacin and Selenium. Salmon is a high-protein meal that is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for kids and adults alike. Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that are essential for life. 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.
- Several reports indicate the possibility of beneficial effects of Omega-3 fatty acids on various forms of depression.
- Numerous reports show that Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and joint pain.
- 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.
- Required throughout pregnancy, Omega-3 fatty acids are critical for proper brain, eye and nervous system development in the developing fetus.
- The Omega-3 content varies widely in fish. At 1.9 grams per serving, salmon provides higher levels of Omega-3 fatty acids than most other fish sources. Fresh yellowfin tuna, for example, provides 0.2 gram per serving, swordfish provides 0.6 gram per serving and flounder provides 0.2 gram per serving. Mackerel, at 2.5 grams per serving, is another high-level source of Omega-3 fatty acids.
- While high in essential fatty-acids (polyunsaturated fats), salmon is low in “bad” fats, or saturated fats. Saturated fats are linked to higher cholesterol levels. Salmon has approximately a third of the saturated fat of lean ground beef and 50 percent less saturated fat than chicken.
- Salmon contains little of the harmful trans-fatty acids usually found in processed foods. Preparing salmon dishes is a great-tasting way to lower the level of trans-fatty acids in your diet.
- 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.
- Salmon provides as much high-quality, complete protein per mouthful as chicken, ground beef, pork or tuna. This type of protein contains sufficient amounts of all the essential amino acids required by the body for growth and maintenance of muscle tissue. In addition to essential amino acids, high-quality proteins help maintain an active metabolism, which plays an integral role in weight loss.