Salmon benefits for health: Brain-boosting and anti-inflammatory effects
Why salmon is good for health (photo: Freepik)
Salmon is a very healthy and tasty fish and you can enjoy it at any time of the year. It can be part of a well-balanced diet as it is rich in protein and fatty acids such as omega-3, reports Eat This, Not That!
Salmon contains a large amount of high-quality protein
If you don't get enough protein in your daily diet, you can start fixing it. Protein is essential for losing weight, building muscle, and boosting metabolism.
In general, you should get about 20 to 30 g of protein per meal.
The high protein content of salmon can also help you feel full.
Selenium in salmon supports the thyroid gland
Another great benefit of salmon is that this flavorful fish has an extremely high content of a trace mineral called selenium, which contains about 70% of the daily recommended value per serving.
Among other benefits related to your heart and cognitive health, selenium is essential for a healthy thyroid gland.
Deficiencies in this mineral can increase the risk of hyperthyroidism, a disease caused by an excess of thyroid hormones.
Plenty of vitamin B12
This vitamin is an important nutrient for maintaining a healthy system of nerve and blood cells in the body.
When you have a B12 deficiency, you may experience weakness, weight loss, and even depression. B12 is needed to prevent megaloblastic anemia, a blood problem that can lead to lethargy and exhaustion.
Since our body cannot store its own B12, we need to get it from food or supplements.
The daily recommended dose of B12 is 2.4 micrograms.
Improves heart health
Omega-3 fatty acids are extremely beneficial for maintaining heart health. You can find plant-based omega-3s (ALA) in foods such as flaxseeds, chia, and some nuts.
Fish is the best source of the most biologically active forms of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Salmon is one of the richest sources with approximately 2,260 milligrams of omega-3.
Reduces inflammation
Chronic inflammation in the body can lead to a number of health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and pain. Fortunately, omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon and other fatty fish have been linked to reduced inflammation.
Salmon improves brain health
Fatty fish, such as salmon, can improve brain health and even slow the decline in cognitive function with age.
Nutrients in fish, such as vitamin D, vitamin B, magnesium, and selenium, can have a positive effect on cognitive function.
A powerful antioxidant
Salmon gets its natural pinkish-red color from a chemical compound called astaxanthin. It is a natural pigment that is also an antioxidant with many health benefits.
Astaxanthin is associated with anti-inflammatory properties, as well as a positive effect on reducing the risk of certain types of cancer and diabetes. Wild salmon is known for containing a large amount of astaxanthin.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
