Salmon, a delicious fish known to be a good source of protein and fatty acids, has benefits for our health that go far beyond just nourishing us.
Salmon contains essential fatty acids for our body, they are called essential because our body cannot synthesize or produce them, that is, we have to obtain them from the foods we consume. Salmon contains fatty acids in the form of triglycerides, some vitamins such as D, A and some of the B complex, in addition to minerals such as selenium, zinc, phosphorus, calcium and iron.
Some important benefits of salmon are:
Muscles, tissues, enzymes and hormones: proteins, or their small components, amino acids, are essential components of our cells, tissues, enzymes, hormones and all parts of the body. Salmon protein is easily digested and absorbed by our body. Salmon is also a good source of fat (and omega-3), a fat which plays a very important role in health maintenance. Salmon is rich in essential minerals such as iron, calcium, selenium and phosphorus, and vitamins such as A, B and D.
Cardiovascular health:
While omega-3 fatty acids help reduce cholesterol levels, maintain flexibility of arteries and veins and maintain the strength of the heart muscle, the essential amino acids (proteins) contained in salmon repair the cardiovascular tissue damage that may have occurred. Omega-3 helps lower blood pressure, and because it reduces cholesterol levels and maintain the flexibility of veins and arteries, it can reduce the risk of heart attack.
Metabolism:
Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D and selenium, help increase the sensitivity of insulin in our body, and this facilitates the absorption of sugar and consequently, lowers the level of blood sugar.
Eyes:
Omega-3 fatty acids and amino acids help prevent macular degeneration, dryness, loss of vision and eye fatigue. It is proven that people who consume fatty fish, such as salmon, on a regular basis have better vision over a longer period of time than their counterpart which does not consume salmon.
Brain and nerves:
Omega-3 fatty acids increase brain efficiency, improve memory and help keep our minds focused during long hours of work. Together with amino acids, vitamin A, D and selenium, these fatty acids protect our nervous system from normal degeneration caused by age, as well as acting as mild anti-depressants, relaxing the brain and are even recommended for the treatment of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson disease.
Other benefits:
Omega-3 reduces inflammation in the arteries and digestive system, reduces the risk of cancer in the colon, prostate, kidney, among other organs. It helps improve skin texture, the shine in eyes, hair and nails. In addition, it helps the growth of good bacteria in the colon.