Salmon has long been a popular option in restaurants and on dinner tables due to its delicious taste, but wild Alaskan salmon also provides numerous health benefits and nutrients. In fact, very few foods contain the sheer amount of nutrients that can be found in one wild Alaskan salmon filet. Wild salmon has large amounts of high quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, essential amino acids, and is a source of several valuable vitamins. The combination of these compounds has been shown to cure or prevent a number of health conditions, making wild Alaskan salmon an essential addition to any diet.Omega-3 fatty acids provide numerous health benefits, and wild Alaskan salmon has some of the highest levels of any natural food source. One of the major benefits of omega-3’s is its ability to improve cardio vascular health. In fact, the American Heart Association recommends that everyone eat at least two servings of fatty fish, such as salmon, each week for optimal health. The compounds in omega-3 fatty acids slow the development of clogged blood vessels, while also reducing the inflammation of the cardio vascular system, which leads to a decrease in the chance that one has of having a heart attack. In addition, a diet rich in omega-3 improves circulation, while making red blood cells more flexible, thus lowering the risk of potentially fatal blood clots.
Anyone suffering from high cholesterol can benefit from eating wild Alaskan salmon regularly. Omega-3’s have been proven to increase the amount of HDL cholesterol, also known as “good” cholesterol”, while lowering levels of LDL, or “bad” cholesterol. An additional benefit of eating salmon is its ability to help lower blood pressure. In a recent study, men aged 20-55 who ate salmon for a four week period displayed a significant improvement in their cholesterol levels, as well as their blood pressure.
The cardio vascular system is not the only part of the body that can reap health benefits from the nutrients found in Wild Alaskan Salmon. DHA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid, is considered one of the most important compounds for improving brain health. The fact that wild Alaskan salmon contains a high concentration of DHA makes it the perfect food for anyone who wants to improve mental clarity, and lower the risk of brain related health issues. Scientists have actually found strong evidence that a diet rich in DHA consumption lowers the risk of cognitive decline in elderly subjects.
Other benefits of a diet abundant in omega-3 rich wild Alaskan salmon include improved eye health, a decrease in macular degeneration, prevention of inflammation of the joints, and a decrease in the risk of several types of cancer, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, and leukemia. Those who are focusing on consuming a natural, whole foods diet will also appreciate the fact that wild Alaskan salmon does not contain any antibiotics, artificial colors, preservatives, GMOs, or growth hormones. Between the delicious taste, and the incredible health benefits, Alaskan salmon is an excellent addition to any diet.
Sources
Appel, L., Harris, W., Kris-Etherton, P., “ Fish Consumption, Fish Oil, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and Cardiovascular Disease,” American Heart Association Journals, vol. 106, pp. 2747-2757, 2002.
Caslake, M., Economou, M., Lara, J., Lowe, G., Rumley, A., “Benefits of Salmon Eating on Traditional and Novel Vascular Risk Factors in Young, Non-Obese Healthy Subjects,” Atherosclerosis, vol. 193, no. 1, pp. 213-221, 2007.
Millington, K., Reed, S., Ruxton, C., Simpson, M., “ The Health Benefits of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids: A Review of the Evidence,” Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, vol. 17, no.5, pp. 449-459, 2004.