6 Amazing Health Benefits of Salmon

If you want a fish that will give you the most nutrition, we suggest opting for salmon. This delicious fish comes in many varieties, such as king, sockeye, coho, pink, and chum, and is a proven source of protein, vitamin D, selenium, and healthy omega 3 fatty acids, while being low in saturated fat. Available in fresh, frozen, canned, and smoked forms, it’s the most preferred option after shrimp and tuna across the United States.

# May Protect Against Heart Diseases

With nutrients like omega 3 fats, vitamin D, potassium, and selenium, to say that salmon has heart-healthy properties would be an understatement. Vitamin D plays an important role in regulating blood pressure and preventing blockage of arteries. A D deficiency is linked to cardiovascular disease, heart failure, and an increased risk of stroke.

# Can Strengthen Bones And Prevent Joint Disorders

Thanks to the vitamin D and omega 3 fats in it, salmon can keep your bones healthy and prevent joint disorders. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium from the intestines and prevents osteoporosis in adults and rickets and osteomalacia in kids. Salmon proteins can also contribute to increasing the total body bone density.

# May Prevent And Manage Diabetes

Salmon spells good news for people with type 2 diabetes. Not only does it not have any carbs, it also has healthy omega 3 fats and proteins. Unlike carbohydrates which cause blood sugar spikes, protein slows down the absorption of sugar and keeps you full longer. On the other hand, high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the body can increase insulin sensitivity and improve glucose metabolism. Omega-3 fats lower blood pressure, CRP (a protein that indicates inflammation in the body), and free fatty acids in middle-aged overweight men. This is important because usually, obesity, high blood pressure, and inflammation are closely tied with diabetes and are known as comorbidities.

# May Boost The Immune System

Regular salmon-filled meals can help you keep that dreaded flu away and give your immune system a boost. And the secret behind this lies in its vitamin D, selenium, and omega-3 content. A Japanese study involving 340 school children found that the group which received vitamin D supplements had 40% lower rates of type A influenza than the group that did not. This could be because vitamin D mitigates the inflammatory reaction of white blood cells and enhances the production of microbe-fighting proteins.

# May Prevent Eye Disorders

Salmon could help keep your eyes healthy, thanks to its vitamin D and omega 3 fats. Regular intake of omega 3 fats prevents the build-up of a toxic molecule called A2E, which otherwise accumulates in some retinal cells and causes vision loss. Having adequate amounts of vitamin D in the body is also vital to prevent vision loss. Together, vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acids make for a strong defense against age-related macular degeneration.

# Can Regulate Thyroid Health

Eating salmon regularly might help you balance your thyroid function and metabolism, all thanks to selenium. Selenium reduces oxidative damage in the thyroid gland and aids in the production of thyroid hormones. Deficiency leads to autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s) and hypothyroidism. While increasing the intake via supplementation has been found to be helpful, it’s best to get your selenium from the diet.