There are plenty of fish in the sea. But one is really worth celebrating. Salmon is widely available, relatively affordable, easy to cook, and can offer you a wide range of health benefits. 

Fatty fish: sounds unappetizing but is great for you

Why is salmon such a slam dunk for your health? A lot of it comes down to the fact that this fish is super rich in omega-3 fatty acids. But, wait, isn’t fat bad for you? Some fat is, but other fats are actually key in keeping your body operating its best (keto people, you get it). 

And salmon doesn’t contain just any fat. It’s rich in long-chain omega-3 eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Which is a very long way of saying that it’s got the type of fatty acids that are literally essential to your body. 

Some of the things EPA and DHA can do for you include: 

• Lowering your blood pressure
• Minimizing inflammation
• Keeping your arteries healthy
• Reducing your risk of cancer and heart disease
• Promoting weight loss

Now that’s some good fat. 

Other health benefits of salmon

But this fish doesn’t stop there. It’s got a few other tricks up its sleeve. It:

• Is B vitamin-rich. B vitamins can help you feel more energized.
• Has tons of high-quality protein.
• Has antioxidants that can support heart, brain, skin, and nervous system health.
• Is high in potassium, which helps control your blood pressure. 

Choosing the right salmon

If you’ve ever noticed that the salmon you buy at the store can range from light pink to deep red, you’ve caught onto the fact that not all salmon is the same. There are several different kinds of salmon. Sockeye’s great for grilling. Chinook has a buttery texture, while Coho has a more mild flavor. But the type of salmon doesn’t matter nearly as much as how it was raised.

When you’re shopping for salmon, always choose wild salmon over farmed. Farmed salmon is not environmentally sustainable, is more likely to contain parasites, and is often treated with antibiotics. 

Add some wild-caught salmon to your next meal and you’ll be making a good choice for the earth and for your health.