Top Five Health Benefits of Consuming Smoked Salmon
Smoked salmon is a tasty delicacy and a great source of proteins, vitamins B6 and B12, iron, zinc, niacin, and fatty acids among other nutrients. Salmon is generally high in omega-3 fatty acids, low in calories, high in protein, and a source of antioxidants. These nutrients are beneficial to human health in the below ways:
1. Supports Heart Health
Smoked salmon by Lambton and Jackson is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids since the human body does not make its own omega-3 fatty acids. They are super beneficial as they support the human body by contributing to a healthy heart, bones, and nails and stabilizing hormones. The Omega-3 fatty acids balance out the omega-6 fatty acids found in the human blood hence preventing heart diseases. Consumption of salmon reduces the risk of heart diseases and lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Vitamin B2 also found in salmon together with vitamin B6 decreases the risk of heart diseases by helping maintain a steady heartbeat and reducing the chances of blood clotting.
2. Anti-inflammatory Nature Promotes Healthy Immune System
The natural oils in the fish are anti-inflammatory to our bodies. If your body has a high level of omega-6 fatty acids, then you are more likely to suffer from inflammatory diseases, chronic diseases, diabetes, and inflammation. Hence indulging in smoked salmon helps you maintain a balance of fatty acids and dampens the effects of inflammation and protects the human body from some forms of cancers, arthritis, muscle degeneration, and asthma. The Vitamin A, iron, and Selenium found in smoked salmon also help in keeping infections and illnesses at bay.
Salmon is rich in antioxidants which help boost immunity hence your body will be less susceptible to infections. Astaxanthin is a protective antioxidant that gives salmon red pigment. It also lowers the risk of heart diseases by increasing good cholesterol in the body. This antioxidant also helps with healthy aging and maintaining skin elasticity hence reducing the signs of aging. The vitamin A and vitamin E antioxidants override the free radicals which if not put in check can cause diseases and tissue damage.
3. Promotes Weight Loss
Smoked salmon facilitates weight loss by assisting the body burn off calories before they get stored as fat. In addition, since smoked salmon is rich in protein, one can feel full for longer periods after consuming it and does not snack heavily while trying to lose some weight. Smoked salmon also boosts metabolism as it is rich in iodine which produces the thyroid hormones which are responsible for maintaining a healthy metabolism rate.
4. Healthy Muscle Tissue, Bones, and Improved Brain Function
Smoked salmon contains essential amino acids and Vitamin D which are required by the body to grow and maintain muscle tissue. It is also rich in proteins which are important for maintaining bone health, preventing muscle loss, and also helps the body to heal and repair at a faster rate.
The omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon significantly reduce the risk of cognitive decline which may lead to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. That is the reason why fish is referred to as ‘brain food. Regular consumption of smoked salmon improves memory.
5. Mood and Energy Level Booster
Salmon is rich in Niacin, which plays an important role in energy production in our bodies while the B vitamins help the body release the energy from food consumed. Both the vitamins and minerals found in salmon are important as they help maintain energy and mood levels.
The vitamin D found in salmon helps regulate body hormones which if left unregulated can cause a decline in energy levels, and moods and alleviate stress levels.