Rhiannon Lambert: The Omega-3 Brilliance of Wild Alaska Salmon
Salmon's position as the UK's favourite seafood has been further strengthened by the latest figures, revealing that salmon sales totalled around £1.25bn in 2023, up 3.2% on the same period the year before.
While many consider salmon a more sustainable and health-conscious option compared to traditional protein sources like meat or poultry, it's essential to note that a significant portion of the salmon available in local supermarkets originates from salmon farms.
For a more informed and healthful choice, we recommend Wild Alaska Salmon. It stands out for its abundant, sustainable, and scientifically managed runs in the pristine waters of Alaska. Beyond its exceptional taste, salmon provides numerous health benefits, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA, supporting heart health and optimal brain function.
For a more cost-effective alternative, consider tinned wild Alaska salmon. This option provides affordability without compromising nutrition, maintaining omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein. This preservation method not only extends the shelf life but also widens accessibility.
Choosing wild salmon is not just a delicious meal but also a conscious decision aligning with personal well-being and environmental sustainability.
Why Choose Wild Caught Salmon?
● Nutritional Profile: Wild-caught salmon is known for having a more diverse and potentially higher nutritional profile than farm-raised salmon. Wild salmon typically contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA).
● Natural Diet: Wild salmon derives its nutrition from a natural diet, which includes marine organisms like krill and other small fish. This natural diet contributes to the higher omega-3 content and gives wild-caught salmon its characteristic colour.
● Lower Environmental Impact: Wild-caught salmon is considered more environmentally sustainable as it relies on natural ecosystems rather than fish farms.
Health Benefits of Wild Alaska Salmon
Omega 3s
Wild Alaska Salmon is bursting with essential Omega-3 fatty acids that are crucial for cell membrane vitality, fortifying cell structure and defending against chronic diseases.
Recent studies have highlighted their positive impact on heart health, cognitive function, and joint mobility. These essential fatty acids even extend protective benefits to the skin.
Termed "essential fatty acids," Omega-3s are so named because our bodies cannot independently produce them, underscoring the importance of incorporating sources like salmon into our diets to ensure these vital elements are readily available in our bodies.
Heart Health Benefits
● Maintain Normal Heart Rhythms: Omega-3s help regulate the rhythm of the heart, reducing the risk of abnormal and potentially fatal heart rhythms.
● Reduce the Chance of Sudden Death: Omega-3s contribute to stable heartbeats, making it more challenging for rapid and uncontrolled rhythms that could lead to sudden cardiac death.
● Reduce the Chance of Stroke: Regular consumption of fish, rich in omega-3s, is associated with a lower risk of developing strokes, particularly those caused by blood clots.
● Lower Chance of Having a First Heart Attack: Omega-3s support heart health by slowing the development of atherosclerosis (clogged blood vessels) and improving overall heart function, reducing the likelihood of a first heart attack.
● Reduce Inflammation: Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties, reducing inflammation in blood vessels and lowering the risk of heart failure.
● Improve the Pattern of Lipids in the Blood: Omega-3s, particularly from fish, can significantly lower blood triglyceride levels, reducing the risk of heart attacks, especially in individuals with high triglyceride levels associated with conditions like type 2 diabetes.
● Improve "Good" Cholesterol (HDL) Levels: Regular consumption of omega-3s from fish helps elevate levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good" cholesterol, which aids in removing harmful cholesterol from blood vessels and lowers the risk of heart failure.
● Improved Heart Rate Adaptability: Omega-3s, particularly from fish oil, enhance the adaptability of heart rate patterns, reflecting the heart's ability to adjust to environmental changes. Greater variability in heart rate is associated with a lower risk of heart disease and reduced likelihood of mortality from heart-related issues.
Blood Pressure Benefits
● Lower Blood Pressure: Regular consumption of fish, rich in omega-3s, is associated with slightly lower blood pressure. Maintaining a healthy body weight is also emphasised for effective blood pressure control.
● Lower Chance of Blood Clots: Omega-3s from fish reduce the tendency to form blood clots, promoting better blood flow. Additionally, they enhance the flexibility of red blood cells, improving circulation through small blood vessels and reducing the risk of fatal blood clots.
● Better Blood Vessel Function: Omega-3s contribute to more elastic arteries, enhancing blood vessel function. This improvement in arterial flexibility reduces the likelihood of blood clot formation, leading to better blood flow and lower blood pressure.
Brain Health Benefits
● Enhanced Brain Function: Omega-3 fatty acids, play a crucial role in supporting optimal brain function. These essential fats are integral components of cell membranes in the brain, influencing cell structure and aiding in the transmission of signals between nerve cells.
● Improved Memory and Learning: Omega-3s contribute to improved memory and cognitive function. Studies suggest that regular consumption of these fatty acids is associated with better performance in memory-related tasks and enhanced learning abilities.
● Reduced Cognitive Decline: Omega-3 fatty acids may play a protective role against age-related cognitive decline. Research indicates that individuals with higher levels of omega-3s in their diet are less likely to experience cognitive impairment as they age.
● Lower Risk of Neurological Disorders: The anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids are associated with a reduced risk of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia. These fats may help protect the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation.
● Promotion of Neuroplasticity: Omega-3 fatty acids support neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to adapt and form new neural connections. This adaptability is crucial for learning, memory, and overall cognitive flexibility.
Mood and Mental Health
● Enhanced Mood and Mental Well-Being: Omega-3s are linked to improved mood and mental well-being. They play a role in the synthesis of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which contributes to emotional stability and a positive mental state.
● Reduced Risk of Depression: Some studies suggest that omega-3s may help reduce the risk of depression and alleviate symptoms in individuals with depressive disorders. The anti-inflammatory properties may contribute to a positive impact on mood regulation.
Wild Alaska Salmon isn't just a tasty meal, it's a powerhouse of goodness for your heart and brain. The marine Omega-3 fatty acids packed into every bite go beyond flavour, they are superheroes to your overall well-being.
So, as you enjoy the deliciousness of Wild Alaska Salmon, know that you're not just treating your taste buds but also giving your body a boost towards a healthier, happier you.
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REFERENCES
Omega-3 Fatty Acids - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes: from molecules to man
Fish Consumption and Coronary Heart Disease: A Meta-Analysis - PMC