Know Your Salmon

It’s no secret that salmon is one of the most popular foods in the world. Classified as an oily fish, is considered healthful due to its high protein, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acid content. Wild Fish Omega-3 fatty acids come from plants (algae, leaves, grass), while the level of omega-3 in farmed salmon depends on what type of diet they eat, which includes vegetables, grains, and fishmeal.

Raw wild salmon is composed of 69 percent water, 20 percent protein, 6 percent fat, and no carbs. it contains 142 calories per 100-gram serving and is high in various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12 (133% DV), selenium (52% DV), phosphorus (29% DV), Copper, (15% DV), and potassium (10% DV).

Farmed salmon have high levels of dioxins, according to a new study. PCB (polychlorinated biphenyl) levels in farmed salmon may be up to eight times higher than in wild salmon but remain considerably below harmful levels. 99% of Atlantic salmon is farmed, whereas most Pacific salmon comes from wild-caught fisheries (more than 80%). Raw salmon flesh may carry Anisakis nematodes, marine parasites that cause anisakiasis.

Salmon species have different flavor profiles and health benefits. A fatter salmon will have more omega-3s unless it is farmed. Farmed salmon are frequently kept in large tanks and fed ultra-processed fish meal. Antibiotics are frequently used to prevent infection, and many farmed fish around the world have been found to contain PCBs and flame retardant residues.

In North America, there are six different types of salmon. Pacific Salmon refers to five species that come from the Pacific coast. These are Chinook, Coho, Sockeye, Pink, and Chum salmon. The other, known simply as Atlantic Salmon, have traditionally lived in the Atlantic.

All types of salmon are a good source of high-quality protein as well as healthy omega-3 fatty acids. The fat and omega-3 content of each species differ. The total fat content per 3-ounce cooked serving ranges from 4 to 9 grams. Approximately 700 to 1,800 mg of omega-3 fatty acids are found in each 3-ounce cooked serving.

All nutrition information is based on 6 ounces of raw salmon