Cardiovascular Health
On behalf of the American Heart Association, P M Kris-Etherton published, ‘Fish Consumption, Fish Oil, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and Cardiovascular Disease’, which suggests that intake of salmon has been connected to a decreased risk of numerous cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack, stroke, heart arrhythmia and high blood pressure.
Consumption of omega-3-containing salmon is also linked with improved metabolic markers for cardiovascular disease. Researchers from The University of Sussex conducted a study in 2012 – ‘Omega-3 fatty acid supplements improve the cardiovascular risk profile of subjects with metabolic syndrome, including markers of inflammation and auto-immunity’ – at the end of which they concluded, ‘it appears that omega 3 improves the cardiovascular risk profile of subjects with metabolic syndrome, having effects on weight, systolic blood pressure, lipid profile and markers of inflammation and autoimmunity’.
The high levels of the antioxidant selenium in salmon have also been shown to be especially important in cardiovascular protection.
As fish consumption appears to have significant health benefits, further research into the relationship between fish intake, mercury exposure, and health risk is of considerable scientific and public health importance.
Skin and hair health
The omega-3s found in salmon lock moisture into skin cells, encouraging the production of strong collagen and elastin fibers, which contribute to more youthful looking skin.
Omega-3s have also been known to alleviate skin blemishes and maintain a good luster of the hair. They provide nourishment to hair follicles, helping hair grow healthy and preventing hair loss and they are a rich supply of proteins is also important for hair growth. The high protein content of salmon helps maintain strong, healthy hair.
During pregnancy
Eating salmon while pregnant affects the contents of mother’s milk.
Omega-3 fatty acids, typically found in oily fish such as salmon, are crucial during early childhood development. As well as being important for the growth of a baby’s brain and eyes, they may also help the development of healthy blood vessels, the heart and immune system.
Researchers at The University of Reading’s Food and Nutritional Sciences department has discovered that mothers who eat salmon during the later stages of their pregnancy boost levels of a vital nutrient in their breast milk, but could lower levels of disease-fighting antibodies that they pass on while feeding their baby.
(Image Credit: Foundry at www.pixabay.com)
