10 Incredible Health Benefits of Salmon

Salmon is one of the most nutritious types of fish that offers several health benefits. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and other essential nutrients, salmon is wonderful for hair and skin health. The great taste and excellent health benefits of salmon make it one of the most loved fish in the world. Salmon is a popular oily fish that contains good fats. This makes it good for heart health and cholesterol. A good amount of protein, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 and minus 6 fatty acid content contributes to overall health. It is worthy to note that wild salmon contains more nutritive value than farmed ones. The farmed salmon are raised on an artificial pellet-based diet, rather than their natural diet consisting of crustaceans, flies, and smaller fish which they would otherwise consume in the wild. As a result, eating salmon from a hatchery will not benefit you as much as consuming wild-caught salmon. Here are the 10 health benefits of salmon. 1. Improves Cardiovascular Health. Salmon is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, and potassium. The omega-3 and minus 6 fatty acids combined with potassium greatly contribute to heart health, as they reduce artery inflammation, lower cholesterol levels, and maintain blood pressure levels. Potassium helps to control blood pressure and prevent excess fluid retention. Thus, regular salmon intake can significantly reduce heart-related medical conditions, including heart attacks, strokes, arrhythmia, high blood pressure, and high triglycerides. 2. Repairs Damaged Tissues. Salmon is a good source of protein. In addition to essential nutrients, our body requires protein as it is the building block for bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood. It helps the body to build and repair tissues after an injury, protects bone health, and maintains muscle mass during weight loss. It also maintains a healthy metabolic rate and improves bone density and strength. 3. Excellent Vitamin B-Complex Source. Salmon is rich in the entire vitamin B group, B3, B5, B7, B6, B9, B12, and so on. Vitamin B complex plays a pivotal role in maintaining a healthy balance of all bodily functions. The B group of vitamins work codependently to turn consumed food into energy, create and repair DNA, and reduce inflammation. Among all the B vitamins, salmon is the richest in vitamin B3, niacin, and vitamin B6. Vitamin B3 helps to lower cholesterol levels, whereas vitamin B6 improves brain health. Salmon also has a good amount of B12 which is vital for the functioning of the brain and nervous system, hormonal balance, and several metabolic functions. 4. Assists in Proper Thyroid Function. One of the important functions of selenium is to maintain proper thyroid function. A decent portion of salmon can provide a considerable amount of selenium. This essential trace mineral protects the thyroid gland from oxidative damage caused during the synthesis of the thyroid hormone. The cells of the thyroid gland produce hydrogen peroxide which is used to make the thyroid hormone. 5. Promotes Brain Health. The high levels of DHA work in association with the vitamin A, vitamin D, and selenium in salmon to boost and improve brain function. In fact, omega-3 fatty acid supplements are used to treat psychological disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Eating salmon during pregnancy can assist with improved fetal brain development and health. 6. May Cure Cancer. Based on the impressive omega-3 fatty acid content, salmon is considered as a superfood. Medically, it is proven that omega-3 fatty acids can have a profound effect on cancer cells and kill tumors. Certain cancer conditions like skin cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, UVB-induced skin cancer, and brain tumors may be treated and prevented with omega-3 fatty acids. 7. Fights Joint Inflammation. Again, the omega-3 fatty acids in salmon help to reduce various inflammatory joint conditions including osteoarthritis. Salmon contains a group of small proteins called bioactive peptides. One such bioactive peptide, called calcitonin, is known to increase, regulate, and stabilize collagen synthesis in human osteoarthritic cartilage. 8. Builds Cognitive Intelligence Since salmon is good for brain health, expecting mothers should eat salmon to build cognitive skills and learning capabilities in children. It should also be included in the diet of growing children, as salmon can also help to curb ADHD and enhance academic performance. 9. Antioxidant Properties. The pink coloir of the salmon comes from the presence of astaxanthin, a member of the carotenoid family of antioxidants. Unlike other carotenes and carotenoids, astaxanthin doesn't get converted to retinoids in the human body. It is an antioxidant by nature and is good to prevent cardiovascular, immune, inflammatory, and neurodegenerative diseases. 10. Promotes Healthy Skin. Salmon benefits the skin owing to the presence of fatty acids and vitamin A. These healthy fats improve skin quality and health. Omega-3 fatty acids work in collaboration with the carotenoid antioxidants of astaxanthin in salmon to tremendously reduce free radical damage that is responsible for aging. Salmon skin doesn't have any side effects. Eating salmon skin will only increase the level of omega-3 fatty acid supply from the fish. The more omega-3 fatty acids are added to our diet, the better it is for our health. This is because it boosts the anti-inflammatory abilities of the body and improves brain health by repairing brain cell damage. However, it is advisable to eat the skin of wild-caught salmon rather than those of farm-raised ones. This is because the skin of the farmed salmon might be contaminated with pollutants like polychlorinated biphenyls, PCB, pesticides, dioxins, and mercury. A study conducted by Indiana University revealed that farmed salmon have a higher concentration of contaminants than wild ones. Another important thing to note about salmon skin is that the cooking process doesn't affect the nutritional value of the skin. Thus, you can have them grilled, fried, baked, or whichever way you want, salmon skin is delicious and healthy either way. If you like this video subscribe and hit the bell icon to be the first to see my next video.