Salmon is a well-known fish and there are many people who enjoy watching the fish, as well as eating it. Fresh salmon is an extremely attractive fish for many. Salmon is a very established fish and we are happy to preach that the fish is full of omega 3… and therefore good for us. But how healthy is the salmon actually?
The origin
Salmoniformes is the family name of the salmon, officially Salmonidae. Quite a few fish are part of the aforementioned family. 215 to be precise and the best known are, in addition to salmon, also the various trout species.
The popularity of salmon and trout varies in different countries, but they are never really inferior to each other. The salmon is a slender, streamlined fish and there are specimens that can grow up to 1 meter in length.
Different salmon
We often recognize the salmon on our plate by its color and the Atlantic salmon has the well-known deep pink color and is very firm in structure. The sockeye salmon, which has a slightly different structure, comes from the Pacific Ocean. The color is largely caused by what they eat, namely shrimp and planktonic shrimp.
In addition, we also farm the salmon ourselves, which has a slightly different taste and is somewhat paler in color. Logically, because the free fish has much more opportunity to consume what it prefers to eat. The farmed salmon are mainly served fish. In addition, it also encounters quite a bit of criticism, because the fish that is bred in large net cages, especially in Norway, Ireland, Scotland and France, has a meager lifespan. Moreover, the human hand partly provides the fish with all those healthy basic substances.
It goes without saying that wild salmon is preferred, but unfortunately it is often so expensive that it is not feasible for many people to regularly buy wild salmon. You can buy wild salmon from Alaska in larger bags (for the freezer) and it is quite affordable.
How healthy is the fish actually?
Salmon is a fish that many people enjoy immensely. In addition, the fish with a mild, typical taste is full of omega 3 fatty acids. Good fats and the norm is still that eating oily fish twice a week is good for a varied and healthy diet. Of all the types of fish we can buy, salmon is one of the most popular.
What does the salmon contain?
- Omega 3 fatty acids
- Vitamin D
- Selenium
What are these nutrients good for?
- Reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Reduces the risk of depression.
- Reduces the risk of inflammation of the joints.
- Has a positive effect on the brain.
- Has a positive effect on the nerves.
- Has a positive effect on the eyes when it comes to aging.
- Stimulates collagen production and skin elasticity
- Good for hair growth, shiny and helps prevent hair loss.
- Reduces the risk of too much cholesterol.
Criticism
Of course there is also criticism about whether or not the salmon is healthy. Since the salmon swims around in the polluted seas, the salmon would ingest unhealthy substances and if we eat that fish, we also ingest those substances. However, little has been proven about this and so far it does not outweigh the benefits of eating salmon.
Wild salmon versus (organic) farmed salmon
It goes without saying that wild salmon is better for your health. This fish, as mentioned, has a wider “range” of food. In contrast, farmed salmon has a meager supply of fish, resulting in fewer nutrients in the salmon. To compensate for the slightly paler color, they sometimes put dyes in the salmon. In addition, they are given antibiotics and growth hormones, among other things. Although in small quantities, you will get this while consuming it. There are also organically farmed salmon and they are not given antibiotics and growth hormones. So if you eat farmed salmon, then eating organic salmon makes a lot more sense.
How do you eat salmon?
The salmon is a versatile fish. You can present the salmon on a piece of toast or a piece of baguette, but it is also great as a steak with some fresh vegetables and potatoes or pasta. But salmon can also be used in a spicy stir-fry dish and of course delicious in nice thin slices on a sandwich. Combine it with some arugula lettuce and a yogurt-based dressing and you’re done in style.
Finally
If you pay a little attention to which salmon you eat, we can safely say that the salmon is healthy and a piece of oily fish twice a week is fine. Include it in a varied diet and make it a permanent part of your diet. Above all, enjoy it, the salmon is delicious!
