Salmon Nutrition

Salmon: Excellent Source of Protein

Few single foods bring as many valuable contributions to the table in significant quantities as Alaska salmon. It is an excellent source of high-quality protein, containing all the essential amino acids. Salmon contains vitamins A, D, B6 and B2, as well as niacin and riboflavin. Calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium and phosphorus are also present in appreciable amounts in this choice seafood. Salmon is an excellent food for everyone, and especially for both young children and older people, because it is so easy to digest. Modern science has provided evidence which suggests that fish consumption is an important part of a healthy diet because it can decrease the risk of coronary heart disease and certain cancers.

A classic study of Greenland Eskimos showed that a high consumption of fish resulted in a low incidence of coronary heart disease and cancer. Subsequently, other population studies confirmed these protective findings and showed that fish-eating populations other than Eskimos had less cardiovascular disease than did those who consumed meat-based diets. One of these studies focused on Japan, which incidentally now boasts the longest life expectancy: 77 years for men, and 83 years for women. This longevity may be related to high fish intake.

Courtesy of Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute