polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), cancer-causing chemicals that were banned in the United States in 1975. 

If you cannot find wild salmon, use salmon oil supplements for your omega-3 fatty acids.

Salmon is best know for its healthy omega-3 fatty acids.  In fact, the American Heart Association even advises eating at least 2 servings of salmon a week.  Just look at that salmon dish on the right.  Doesn't it look yummy?

The fat of salmon contains polyunsaturated fatty acids or omega-3s to protect the heart.

Omega-3 in salmon is also believed to reduce blood clotting. 

Other salmon facts:

• Salmon is a great source of protein.

• Salmon contains thiamin (good for the brain, may help alleviate depression, improve memory, assist learning, and help metabolize carbohydrates).

• Salmon has vitamin D, which works with calcium for healthy bones.

• Salmon has an abundance of vitamin B12 (required for the manufacture and maintenance of red blood cells.  Vitamin B12 also stimulates appetite, energy, and promotes growth).

• Salmon is a excellent source of potassium (works together with sodium to help your body maintain healthy nervous system, assist with regular transmission of nerve impulses, and help with building muscle, and maintaining a healthy heart).

• Salmon can also help to fight aging (salmon contains selenium, which helps the body eliminate free radicals such as mercury and lead for a healthy skin).

Health Findings Relating Salmon:

Salmon for Health

Long-Chain Omega-3 Fatty Acids Lower Risk of Declining Mental Function in Older People

Omega-3 Index: Potential Marker for Heart Disease Mortality

Study Refutes that Omega-3 Fatty Acids Reduce Blood Pressure in Mild Hypertension

Salmon Selection

Fresh salmon is firm (springs back when touched), clear, moist, and has a sweet smell.  Fishy smelling salmon is not fresh.

Fresh salmon should be eaten the day you buy because it doesn't stay fresh long.  To prevent bacteria growth, refrigerate salmon immediately after purchasing.  Tip:  make salmon the last thing to buy before exiting the grocery store.

After purchasing the salmon, give it a bath.  Rinse and place the salmon on paper towels to dry.  Then put it in a clean plastic bag.  Store the salmon is the coldest part of your refrigerator.

If you decide to freeze the salmon, freeze it in a very cold temperature (0 degrees-).  Thaw the salmon in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.

Make Salmon Part of Your Diet

• Make salmon sandwiches.

• Grilled salmon tastes delicious.

• Use canned salmon if fresh salmon is not available.

• Substitute salmon for crab cakes.

• Add salmon to pasta.

• Try salmon tacos.

• Hot salmon chowder is nutritious and tasty for cold seasons.

 

 

Salmon

Serving Size (3 oz.) Amount Per Serving % Daily Value Calories 160   Calories from Fat 63   Total Fat 7g 11%   Saturated Fat 1.7g 9%   Trans fat 0g     Polyunsaturated 2.8g     Omega-6  0.3g     Omega-3  2.4g     Monounsaturated  2.9g   Cholesterol 25mg 8% Sodium 52mg 0% Total Carbohydrate 0g 0%   Dietary Fiber 0g 0%   Sugars 0g   Protein 19g   Thiamin 0.3 mg  24% Niacin 6.9 mg 43% Calcium 20% Vitamin B6 0.6mg 32% Vitamin B12 2.4 mcg 99% * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.