Spotlight on Superfoods – All About Salmon « MyMedicalForum MyMedicalForum

Although it may sound like a common fish, the benefits of eating salmon are more than ordinary – they’re exceptional.

A delicious lean protein, salmon is a wonderful source of essential Omega-3 fatty acids. Although we most often think of the word essential as something we really need, in this case, essential means that our bodies can’t produce them. We need to eat certain foods so we can get these vital fats – alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid – into our system. And salmon is the best source of these.

So what’s so important about Omega-3’s found in salmon? Just about everything.

First, they reduce inflammation throughout your entire body and keep your blood clotting effectively. They lower bad cholesterol and keep arteries relaxed for smoother blood flow. Omega-3’s also improve the body’s ability to respond to insulin, which helps reduce the risk of obesity. On top of that, Omega 3’s help prevent certain cancers from growing.

Omega 3’s found in salmon also lower heart disease risk, lower blood pressure and help relieve arthritis. They have also been linked to helping with memory loss and Alzheimer’s. There is additional evidence that Omega 3’s in salmon can help with depression, as well.

One of the most important points of eating salmon is to make sure it is wild salmon – caught out in the ocean – and not farmed. Although farmed may sound like it’s better, there are concerns about the unnatural diet fed to farmed salmon, along with contaminants in the water. But if you can’t locate fresh wild salmon in your area, consider trying canned or frozen wild salmon.

If you haven’t tried salmon – or if you’re looking for some interesting recipes to try – here are several options for every meal of the day, including a party appetizer.

Breakfast – Salmon and Scrambled Eggs – http://www.marthastewart.com/933878/salmon-and-scrambled-eggs

Lunch – Southwestern Salmon Cobb Salad – http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/salmon_cobb_salad.html

Dinner – Roasted Salmon with Tomatoes and Olives – http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/salmon_roasted_with_tomatoes_olives.html

Appetizer – Salmon Cakes with Olives, Lemon and Dill – http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/salmon_cakes_olives_lemon_dill.html

With these delicious and healthy options, plus a wealth of information about the benefits of wild salmon, consider adding it to your diet at least once per week – even more if you can.

Sources

http://www.eatingfree.com/newtrition/nutripedia/did-you-know/whats-the-deal-with-fatty-acids.aspx

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=104

http://lowcarbdiets.about.com/od/lowcarbsuperfoods/a/salmonbenefits.htm

http://americanfood.about.com/od/keytipstechniques/a/5superfoods.htm