Salmon is full of essential fats and has a lot of benefits for your entire body. Click here to learn more about why you should be eating salmon regularly.
Did you know the average American eats almost 60 pounds of chicken each year–but only 15.5 pounds of seafood?
While there’s nothing wrong with chicken and other meats, there are compelling reasons to add more seafood to your diet. Eating salmon, in particular, offers an enormous range of great health benefits.
Ready to learn what this delicious fish can do for you? Read on to learn 5 reasons why eating salmon is so good for you.
1. Aids in Weight Loss
There are plenty of good diet plans out there, but here’s an easy one: Eat more salmon.
A four-ounce portion of salmon contains only 233 calories. And because it’s mostly protein, you’ll feel full longer after a meal.
Studies show that a diet high in protein is an excellent aid to weight loss (or maintaining a healthy weight). Every three ounces of salmon contains about 25 grams of protein, giving your body the fuel it needs to burn fat.
2. Lowers Cancer Risk
No one wants to think about cancer, but let’s discuss one way to reduce your risk of developing it.
Salmon is loaded with healthy fatty acids that do wonders for your health. Recent studies have found that they help to inhibit COX-2, an enzyme responsible for many common cancers.
Eating salmon regularly may reduce your risk of developing pancreatic, colon, and prostate cancer.
3. Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation is the root cause of cancer, diabetes, and other common diseases.
To reduce inflammation levels–and the risk of disease–add more salmon to your diet. Studies have found that this significantly lowers inflammatory markers throughout the body.
If you already suffer from an inflammatory condition, salmon can help to reduce and control your symptoms. Its high levels of astaxanthin, for example, can help with a wide range of skin and eye problems.
4. Good for Your Heart Health
A healthy heart relies on the careful balance of the fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6.
With its naturally high levels of omega-3s, salmon is the perfect way to give your heart health a boost. Wild Alaska salmon is especially high in omega-3s.
Can’t you just take a fish oil supplement instead? Studies show that eating salmon and other fish high in fatty acids is much better for your health.
5. Protects Your Brain
Want to fight off dementia and other brain diseases the natural way?
Eating salmon increases gray matter inside your brain, which can ward off cognitive issues later in life. One study found that eating fish twice a week can slow age-related memory problems by as much as 13%.
Fatty acids and fish oil can also help to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Eating Salmon for Your Health: Final Thoughts
From your heart and brain to your skin and eyes, eating salmon benefits every part of your body.
Whether you grill a piece at home or indulge at your favorite sushi bar, make salmon a regular part of your diet. Your body will thank you for it!
Interested to learn what other small changes you can make to improve your diet and your health? Click here for our recent post on the topic.
