Wondering if you should add more salmon fish to your diet? This healthy fatty fish is filled with protein and Omega 3 fatty acids. These nutrients not only help you stay strong and healthy, but they also contribute to a host of other health benefits.
If you are thinking about adding salmon to your weekly meal plan, read on to learn about the top salmon benefits in more detail.
Table of Contents
1. Improved Cardiovascular Health
Salmon is a great source of healthy fat and provides a valuable source of omega benefits which can potentially improve cardiovascular health.
These fatty acids support the heart by keeping the blood vessels healthy and functioning optimally. It also helps to reduce bad cholesterol, high triglycerides, and blood pressure, all of which reduce the risk of heart disease.
Eating salmon also provides the body with other vital nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, and selenium that support healthy cholesterol levels and help to reduce inflammation.
2. Increasing Fatty Acid Intake
Salmon is one of the best natural sources of fatty acids. It contains high levels of polyunsaturated fats, including omegas-3 and omegas-6, which are both essential for good health.
Consuming three ounces of salmon daily can provide the recommended amount of fatty acids for adults. It is great to incorporate into a diet to ensure that the fatty acid intake is increased.
It can also be beneficial for mental health, as it can enhance cognitive performance and reduce the risk of depression. Increasing fatty acid intake is important for overall health, and salmon is one of the best ways to meet this goal.
3. Preventing Age-Related Skin Damage
Salmon is an excellent source of essential fatty acids (omega 3s) which can help protect and keep the skin looking younger and feeling softer. The acids in salmon can help reduce damage from free radicals, both of which can contribute to wrinkles and age-related skin damage.
It is also a great source of vitamin D and selenium, two key nutrients for skin health. Vitamin D helps keep skin looking even, and selenium can help rebuild collagen, which is essential for the skin’s elasticity and strength.
4. Anti-inflammatory Benefits
Salmon is an excellent source of anti-inflammatory benefits to the body. It helps reduce levels of inflammation and protect against inflammatory diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis by aiding in the production of body-wide inflammation-fighting proteins.
Eating salmon regularly can also help to reduce blood pressure, improve blood vessel function, and reduce triglyceride levels. Other benefits of salmon include its ability to help preserve cognitive function and reduce the risk of developing various types of cancer.
Salmon also contains high levels of astaxanthin, a powerful anti-inflammatory carotenoid, which is believed to protect against free radical damage to the body.
5. Supports Brain
Salmon is undeniably one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically DHA and EPA, which are essential for proper brain function.
It has been linked to increased concentrations of dopamine, neural growth, and improved mood, making salmon a great option for boosting brain health. Furthermore, it helps to reduce the risk of cognitive decline and boost memory.
Salmon is also a great source of vitamin B12. This vitamin helps in protecting nerve cells from damage and is required for the proper functioning of the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for learning, memory, and concentration.
An adequate supply of B12 is necessary for proper neuron functioning, DNA synthesis, and blood formation. Lastly, salmon provides a significant amount of phospholipids, which are essential fatty acids that play a very important role in nerve signals among the various parts of the brain.
6. Great Source of Protein and B Vitamins
Salmon is an incredibly nutritious source of protein and B vitamins. With high levels of both protein and B vitamins, salmon is a dietary powerhouse.
Protein helps to make up the muscles, organs, and tissues in the body and aids in repair and growth. It is an important nutrient for maintaining a healthy metabolism, reproduction, digestion, and energy production.
With just one serving of salmon, you’re getting an abundance of essential minerals and vitamins, including B vitamins like Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, and Pantothenic acid.
7. Good Amount of Selenium
Salmon is a great source of selenium. Selenium is an important nutrient for overall health, as it helps support our immune system, as well as aiding in DNA synthesis and proper thyroid function.
It contains about 55mcg per 3-ounce serving, which is a good amount of selenium for a single serving. Selenium is found in a variety of foods, including meats, nuts, eggs, and grains, but the highest levels are found in fish, such as salmon.
To maximize potential selenium benefits, consuming a variety of selenium-rich foods is ideal. As an added bonus, salmon provides a great amount of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for proper brain and eye health.
8. Reduce the Risk of Cancer
Salmon is an excellent food for reducing the risk of cancer. Consuming salmon regularly can help reduce the risk of several cancers, including breast, colon, and prostate cancer.
It is also rich in antioxidants, which can fight free radical damage and protect cells from the damage caused by oxidative stress. Salmon is also an excellent source of selenium and vitamin D, both of which have been shown to have protective effects on cancer risk.
Learn More About Salmon Benefits Today
Incorporating the salmon benefits into your meals is vast and should not be overlooked. Salmon’s omega-3 fatty acids and variety of vitamins and minerals are invaluable nutrients.
Let’s take advantage of such a nutritious and delicious fish to lead a healthier lifestyle. Try adding it to your meals at least once a week and experience the full benefits of salmon!
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