Salmon: Nutritional Value and Health Benefits (Part 2)

Salmon is one of the most nutritious foods we can include on our menu. This oily fish is not only rich in nutrients, but can also reduce some risk factors for serious health conditions associated with overweight and heart disease. It is an excellent source of B vitamins group, provides an optimal amount of protein, omega fatty acids aikosapentaenic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenic acid (DHA) and other nutrients.

Health benefits of salmon

Salmon has a fairly high potassium content. It is highest in wild salmon, which provides 13% per 100 grams of the recommended daily dose.

Potassium is important as it helps to control blood pressure and can also reduce the risk of stroke.  [ref. 1] Potassium also works together with a ttria to help regulate fluid balance and lower blood pressure, preventing the retention of excess water.

Selenium is a micromineral found in soil and some foods, including salmon. The human body needs a very small amount, but if I do not get it, it can increase the risk of hormonal imbalance. 

Studies have shown that selenium helps protect bone health, reduce thyroid antibodies in people with autoimmune gland disease, acts as an antioxidant and helps combat oxidative stress.

Astaxanthin is a compound associated with several powerful health effects. As a member of the family of carotenoid antioxidants, astaxanthin gives salmon its characteristic red hue. Also, astaxanthin seems to reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and raising HDL cholesterol levels.  [Ref. 2] 

In addition, astaxanthin can even help prevent skin damage and help you look younger. In fact, a scientific review gives us much more information in this regard. Astaxanthin can act as an antioxidant, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and protect skin cells from damage.  [ref. 3] 

Regular consumption of salmon, as well as other fish species, can help prevent heart disease. This is largely due to the content of omega-3 fatty acids in them.  [Ref. 4] 

Salmon can provide powerful protection against chronic inflammation, which underpins a host of diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.  [Ref. 5] 

A growing number of studies have suggested that including salmon in your diet may improve brain function.  [ref. 6]  Oily fish and fish oil have been found to protect the health of the fetal brain during pregnancy, slow cognitive decline and preserve brain function.  [Ref. 7] 

In addition to protecting brain health, some promising studies have shown that salmon can aid mental health thanks to the omega-3 fatty acid content. According to a review of 10 different studies, the consumption of at least 1 serving of fish per week or 500 mg. omega-3 fatty acids per day is associated with a lower risk of depression, especially in women.  [Ref. 8] 

Suggested