Salmon can be found in both salt and fresh water. There are several species of salmon, such as the Atlantic, chinook, chum, coho, pink, and sockeye. Besides it is very tasty, salmon also has considerable health benefits.
When grilled, seared, broiled or baked, salmon is one of the most heart-healthy dishes. There is a wide range of salmon’s health benefits, from strengthening your heart and muscles to reducing the risks of developing some diseases.
According to some studies, people who consume the fatty acid rich salmon can be healthier and live longer while they do it. Salmon’s health benefits include correct muscle and tissue development, efficient body metabolism, proper cardiovascular health, and boosted eye health.
Muscle and tissue benefits
The protein in salmon is very easy for people to absorb and above all to digest into their bodies. Unlike some other protein sources, the one found in salmon does not have any cancer causing substances. In addition, proteins which are referred to as amino acids are also vital for your entire body and overall health.
One of the most important health benefits of salmon is its good fat or Omega-3 fatty acids. Also, minerals such as selenium, phosphorus, iron and calcium as well as vitamins A, B and D are in salmon.
Heart health
Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon can help you to lower cholesterol. Typically, one of the first things doctors recommend after a person has suffered a heart attack is to lower his or her triglycerides levels and bad cholesterol (LDL). In addition, while salmon lowers patient’s bad cholesterol, it also raises his or her good cholesterol (HDL).
Also, salmon has the ability to strengthen the heart muscles and repair heart damage. Salmon lowers blood pressure and it can also prevent hardening of arteries, which will lessen chances of having a heart attack.
Brain and nerve benefits
Above mentioned Omega-3 fatty acids improve your memory and help your brain work better. In conjunction with amino acids, selenium and Vitamins A and D, those acids also protect your nervous system from the deteriorating effects of aging. Therefore, this makes salmon a natural anti-depressant.
Parkinson and Alzheimer’s diseases are two of the biggest fears which you will face while you age. One study has shown that the consumption of salmon lowers your risk of developing those diseases. In addition, Omega-3 acids can also help prevent blood clots which can lessen your chances of having strokes.
Miscellaneous benefits
One more health benefit of eating salmon is faster metabolism. This facilitates the rate of your sugar absorption and can lower your level of blood sugar. This, in turn, lowers your risk developing diabetes. Amino acids and Omega-3 acids help prevent macular degeneration. This condition affects older people and it is age-related which can result in vision loss or vision damage. Salmon consumption can provide healthy skin, bright eyes, and shiny hair.
The credit for these benefits goes to selenium and Omega-3 fatty acids, which both can be found in salmon. Just four ounces of wild salmon will give you required amount of Vitamin D for a full day. Also, the same amount of salmon gives you more than half of selenium, niacin, and B12 that you need daily. In addition, this amount of salmon also gives you 30 grams of protein. This is more than half of the recommended daily amount.