Everyone seems to love the food on their menus from Pro Weight Loss in Massachusetts, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have questions about why some foods are on the list and others aren’t. The reason is based on what the ultimate goal of the client is, their food preferences and the health benefits of the food. One of the most nutritious foods included in meals is salmon. In fact, I get a lot of questions about its health benefits, so writing a blog seemed to be the easiest way to address all of them.
Salmon is high in Omega-3 fatty acids.
People often freak out when they hear that fatty fish are good for them. Society has vilified fat so much, that people think fat free is the only healthy way to go. Nothing could be further from the truth. You need fat in your diet, but not just any fat. Trans fats, for instance, are extremely unhealthy. Fatty fish like salmon are high in omega-3 fatty acids. It’s an essential fat that you have to get from food. It helps decrease inflammation, which when chronic, can cause serious conditions. It also helps reduce the risk of cancer, lowers blood pressure and improves the functioning of the cells that line the arteries.
Salmon contains many important nutrients.
There’s a wide variety of B vitamins in salmon. It has niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, thiamin, folic acid, B12 and B6. B vitamins are responsible for aiding in many functions that range from DNA repair to improving brain and nervous system functioning. Salmon is also a good source of potassium, which helps to keep blood pressure lower to reduce the potential for a stroke. It also contains selenium, a trace mineral that supports bone health, boosts protection against cancer and improves the functioning of the thyroid.
Have you ever heard of astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant that gives the salmon flesh its red color. It helps prevent the oxidation of the bad cholesterol, while boosting levels of the good cholesterol. While the research is varied, some indicate that astaxanthin reduce inflammation, lower oxidative stress and help prevent the build up of plaque in the arteries. Just like omega-3. It helps protect the brain. Other studies show it can improve your skin and help retain hydration and elasticity, so you’ll look younger, too.
- All the nutritional benefits point to the fact that salmon is good for your heart. It also may be good for your mood, too. It helps balance omega-3 and omega-6 and studies show that can help prevent aggression and anger.
- Salmon provides high quality protein. Protein is necessary for healing, bone health and the maintenance of muscle tissue. All parts of the body use protein.
- Just like other sources of high quality protein, salmon may help you lose weight. It fills you up and keeps you feeling full longer. The omega-3 in salmon may boost your metabolism and help get rid of belly fat. It increases insulin sensitivity, too.
- Stay smarter longer when you eat salmon. Not only does salmon help reduce anxiety and depression, it protects fetal brains when their mothers consume it. It also helps decrease memory problems related to aging.
For more information, contact us today at Pro Weight Loss