What is the healthiest fish?
If you’re a person concerned about your health and fitness, you have likely pondered this question. And it is a good question and certainly one worthy of some discussion. Ever heard of Salmon?
Most people have a general awareness of the health benefits of fish, or at least know that it is healthy food. But given the incredible variety of edible fish, what is the healthiest fish? And how much is safe and healthy to consume?
There are great benefits to eating fish and adding it to your diet. Eating fish provides protein and healthy fats known as omega-3 fatty acids, which offers a plethora of known benefits.
Benefits of Salmon in Your Diet
The salmon fish known for its orange-pinkish colour is thought to be one of the healthiest fish to consume, if not the healthiest. It is an oily fish that has an overflowing supply of omega-3 fatty acids, as well as B vitamins, selenium, potassium, and more.
And omega-3 fatty acids are “essential,” and this means that your body does not naturally produce them so it’s essential that you consume them in your food intake.
Salmon has many health benefits. Some of these benefits are as follows:
- Omega-3 fatty acids build a stronger heart and brain by increasing omega-3’s in your blood flow
- Omega 3 fatty acids provide an antioxidant known as astaxanthin which helps fight bad cholesterol
- A powerful source of Vitamin B: B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12
- Selenium assists with thyroid function and bone health
- Contains more potassium than a banana, which is key to controlling blood pressure
- Salmon is a great help in weight control, as the protein helps you to fill full and it increases your metabolic rate
- Has many anti-inflammatory benefits
- Known to be great for youthful skin
- Great for your blood and circulation
The list can go and on. The salmon fish is a superfood of the fish family and the number one healthiest fish. The health benefits of salmon tip the scale in its direction more than any other fish in the world.
Farm-Raised or Wild Salmon?
When purchasing this powerhouse fish for meals, you’ll learn that salmon is offered farm-raised or wild. Both are good for you, and both provide many terrific health benefits and personal aesthetic benefits.
However, wild salmon is caught in its natural environment. The salmon fish feeds off of other organisms in its natural surroundings. The wild variety is sold in stores at a higher price and lower stock inventory. It is much lower on harmful contaminants, as it is organic and conveys the same label of benefits as “organic” in any food label.
And what organic means in layman’s terms, is natural. No preservatives, colour additives, or MSG’s are added. We’ve all heard stories about how the poultry and beef industry has pumped steroids into animals to help them develop faster and bigger (bigger means more meat to sell which means more profit). But with organic, it’s natural. And this is nearly always a healthier option.
Farm-raised salmon has become very popular. The farm-raised variety is fed processed fish feed which is high in fat and protein and produces bigger fish. So again, this is a more commercial process to reduce costs and increase availability, but that also means more access and you will find it more readily. And most importantly, it still offers many great health benefits.
Any type of salmon is terrific for providing healthy fats and protein. The type you choose is a personal preference. But, if you don’t mind paying a little more, the wild salmon is more likely a healthier option.
Which Salmon Tastes Best?
That being said and surprisingly enough, the tastiest salmon by most people’s pallet is farm-raised salmon. This might seem counter-intuitive, but many people think that wild salmon has too much of a fishy taste, and farm-raised salmon mitigates that fishy edge.
The way salmon is cooked also plays a big part in healthy eating. So preparation plays a heavy role in questioning what is the healthiest fish?
When cooking, it is recommended to bake, poach, or steam to preserve the healthful benefits. Using oil and deep fry may taste good, but would be the least healthy cooking choice. You can learn more about salmon preparation and other superfoods from our friends at A Lean Life.
It is recommended to eat fish, including salmon, two to three times per week. Like most things in life, too much of anything can be a bad thing. Eating fish as part of your diet is no exception. All fish contain some levels of mercury, and salmon is part of that group. So too much fish (more than 3 times a week), can be unhealthy and is not recommended by experts.
So what is the healthiest fish? Hands down, the answer is salmon! Make this superfood part of your weekly menu and you’ll feel and look better, and enjoy improved health. Get a nutrition assessment report today.
Cover photo by Micheile Henderson on Unsplash
