Nutritionally rich & a oily fish like salmon make an excellent addition to a balanced diet. In this blog, we will discuss five reasons why you should consume more salmon.
It can support brain function.
Seafood is often considered ‘brain food’ — and there is compelling evidence to back this up. Studies suggest that regular salmon consumption may help prevent age-related changes in brain structures (such as decreased hippocampal, frontal and temporal lobe volumes) and may even boost memory — the omega-3 fatty acids are responsible for this. Salmon can also improve progressive conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
It can be protective.
Salmon’s pink colour is due to its high concentration of antioxidants. This chemical compound has been associated with decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering cholesterol levels and protecting the central nervous system when combined with omega-3s.
It can promote heart health.
Salmon and other oily fish such as herring, mackerel, trout and tuna are high in omega-3 fatty acids (a kind of “polyunsaturated” fat.) Your body cannot make omega 3s on its own — therefore, you must regularly consume foods high in omega 3s.
The most beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, long-chain fatty acids, are found naturally in salmon in the form of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These are known to improve cardiovascular health and help maintain a balance of hormones.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, which is essential for long-term bone health. It’s well known to come from sunlight, but if you live in a part of the world where daily sunlight isn’t a given, eating salmon is a great plan b. Amazingly, salmon contains 66% of your daily recommended intake of Vitamin D – a really meaningful contribution to keeping your bones strong!