Things You Should Know About Salmon

Things You Should Know About Salmon

Know about Salmon, a fish that is full of health benefits. Salmon is a common species of ray-finned fish in the family Salmonidae. It is a large saltwater fish which are mostly found in the water of Alaska, California, and the Pacific Northwest. Salmon is listed as an oily fish that is rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. They usually swim upstream into freshwater to hatch, migrate to the ocean and then return to the freshwater to reproduce. The flesh of the salmon is generally orange to red, although there are some white-fleshed wild salmon. There are mainly five species of wild salmon:

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Sockeye

Also known as red salmon widely found in the northern Bering Sea to Japan. Sockeye is long and lean in shape with bright orange flesh. It is around 5 to 10 pounds.

Chinook, or King

The Chinook or king spring salmon mostly found in Yukon River to China and the Sacramento River, are high-fat flesh fish. They are pinkish-red in color and weigh around 15 to 20 pounds.

Chum

Generally known as dog salmon, ranging from Mackenzie and Lena Rivers to Japan. The size and weight of this salmon vary widely. It has silver skin and reddish flesh, which gives the best flavor.

Pink, or Humpback salmon

The most abundant of all salmon found in the Arctic to Japan and the Klamath River. They normally weigh between 3 to 5 pounds and are often sold whole. They are also used for canning.

Coho, or Silver salmon

Usually found in the Bering Sea to Japan and the Salinas River. The flavor of Coho salmon and King salmon are identical.

Farmed or wild?

That depends on many factors like where the fish comes from, in which environment they are growing and what they are consuming.  The Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch says that the salmon fish from Alaska and the Pacific Northwest is the best. Not all farmed salmon is bad for the environment. Since they are often linked with waste management and fish escaping, it becomes inflexible to rise in floating pens in the ocean. Inland farmed salmon may be a better choice to deal with these issues.

Atlantic or Pacific?

Different variety of Pacific salmon like king has deep orange to bright red color flesh, and it is more expensive because of its high-fat content and soft flesh. Sockeye and Coho have firmer flesh. Atlantic salmon Salmo has pinkish flesh and generally farmed because of the huge impact of water pollution.

Fresh or Frozen?

It’s a matter of preference. During winter both frozen, wild salmon from the Pacific and fresh farmed Atlantic salmon are found in the markets.

Nutrition in salmon

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If you are interested to know about Salmon then you must know that Salmon is one of the greatest sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Unlike other fats, omega-3 fats are considered essential for your body because our body cannot create them. It helps in decreasing inflammation, lowering blood pressure, reducing the risk of cancer, and improves arterial functions.

Salmon is rich in protein. It has a vital role in your body and helps your body heal, protects bone health, and maintain muscle growth.

Salmon is a wonderful source of B Vitamins. These vitamins perform several important functions in your body like creating and pairing DNA, turning food into energy, reduce heart disease, and keeps your brain and nervous system healthy.

Wild salmons are high in potassium. It has more potassium than bananas. It controls blood pressure and reduces the chances of stroke. Potassium also prevents excess water retention.

Selenium is a mineral that is found in soil and certain foods. It can also be found in salmon. Including selenium in your diet is important. Selenium decreases thyroid disease and protects bone health. Consuming high selenium foods can also increase your blood levels.

Salmon fish in India

Rawas, maga, kaala, surmai, syamana are a few popular names of Indian Salmon. It is one of the most consumed fishes in India. As we all know it is not the native fish of India, salmon can only be found in the western coast of India. The Indian salmon is not so fatty but succulent and has a great taste.

Outlook

Salmon fish is a nutritional powerhouse that has several health benefits. And in addition, it is tasty and versatile. It can be used in salads, tartare, burgers, and pasta dishes. The best ways to have salmons are grilled, steamed, roasted, or smoked.

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Author: Mousumi GharamiMousumi Gharami is a Masters in English Literature Living a healthy and disease-free life is a dream of everyone, and as one of the health bloggers, she aims at fulfilling this dream for everyone through her awesome health blogs. Her friendly tips, home-remedies and valuable information can smoothen your long journey to attain wellness. Getting inspired with the real-life stories and magical solutions, she has started her blogging adventure. She does not write blogs just filled with boring advices. To motivate you to embrace a healthy life is the target of her each post. Her posts are best for those, looking for a unique 360-degree approach to get the ultimate self-care.