Salmon is a common fish that is very high in Omega-3 fatty acids and protein. It is also a good source of Vitamin D and Potassium. Besides being a high-calorie food, salmon also contains a number of other important nutrients, including Vitamin A and Selenium. Read on to learn more about the benefits of salmon for your health!
Omega-3 fatty acids
Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for human health. However, the omega-3 content of salmon has been decreasing in recent years. Researchers at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, the University of Southampton, and SalmoBreed have collaborated on a project to understand the genetic basis of the omega-3 content in salmon.
Vitamin D
The amount of Vitamin D in salmon calories varies from one region to another. For example, farmed salmon is usually lower in vitamin D than wild salmon. But consuming a high-quality meal high in Vitamin D can increase your health. However, there are a few things you should know before trying to eat salmon.
Potassium
Salmon is a rich source of potassium. The average serving of wild or farmed salmon provides around 13% of the recommended daily value. Potassium is essential for the body’s nervous system, cardiovascular system, and musculoskeletal system. The Mayo Clinic recommends that your blood potassium levels stay between 3.6 and 5.2 millimoles per liter. Having a level higher than that could be dangerous or even fatal.
Selenium
Selenium is an essential trace mineral that has a number of benefits, including protection for bones and preventing autoimmune thyroid disease. It also reduces the levels of thyroid antibodies and may help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer. One 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of salmon provides 75-85% of your daily value of selenium. Salmon is also an excellent source of B vitamins, which can help prevent dementia and boost the production of neurotransmitters.
Iron
Iron is a necessary mineral that is found in a wide range of foods, including salmon. A three-ounce fillet contains about six percent of the recommended daily allowance of iron. Salmon is an excellent source of heme iron, which is absorbed into the body more easily than other forms of iron. In fact, salmon may even increase the absorption of non-heme iron by two to three times.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is a nutrient important for the formation of strong bones and teeth. It also plays a role in immunity, muscle contraction, and metabolism. Fish are a great source of phosphorus. In fact, salmon accounts for a large portion of your daily requirement.
Vitamin B12
Many people enjoy eating salmon, which is a popular fish and is considered an oily fish. The fish is full of omega-3 fatty acids and is packed with protein. It is also a good source of Vitamin B12.
Vitamin K
Phylloquinone is the main dietary source of vitamin K. It is also found in menaquinones and green leafy vegetables. Menaquinones are produced by bacteria and present in low concentrations in food. Phylloquinone is converted in the body to MK-4. There is little data on the amount of menaquinones in salmon.