Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fats that are essential for life. Omega-3s help protect against heart disease, promote healthy skin and joints and are essential to proper neurological development in unborn babies and young children.*


Because of the health benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids*, the American Heart Association's (AHA) dietary guidelines recommend that adults eat at least two servings of fish high in Omega-3 fatty acids per week.
Add more salmon to your diet with our appetizing recipes 


Omega 3

The USDA Nutrient Database for Standard Reference shows that both wild and ocean-farmed salmon contain high Omega-3 fatty acid levels, while chicken, beef and pork contain almost no Omega-3s.


Since the Omega-3 content varies widely in fish, it is important to note that ocean-farmed Atlantic salmon, at 1.9 grams per serving, and species of wild salmon, provide higher levels of Omega-3 fatty acids* than most other fish sources. Fresh yellowfin tuna, for example, provides 0.2 gram per serving, swordfish provides 0.6 gram per serving and flounder provides 0.2 gram per serving. Mackerel, at 2.5 grams per serving, is another high-level source of Omega-3 fatty acids.


Omega-3 Fatty Acids Benefit:


The Heart and Cardiovascular System


Evidence strongly suggests that increasing Omega-3 fatty acids in the diet helps prevent heart disease and, at increased consumption levels, may dramatically cut the mortality rate in heart attack survivors.*


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The Mental and Nervous System

Several reports indicate the possibility of beneficial effects of Omega-3 fatty acids on various forms of depression*.


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Skin and Joints


Numerous reports show that Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and joint pain.*


Omega-3s help lock moisture into skin cells, encouraging the production of strong collagen and elastin fibers, which aid in youthful looking skin. Omega-3s have also been known to reduce skin blemishes.


Along with strengthening skin cells, Omega-3s can help maintain healthy joints by reducing inflammation and limiting joint pain.



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Infant Development


Required throughout pregnancy, Omega-3 fatty acids are critical for proper brain, eye and nervous system development in the developing fetus.*


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* Supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. One serving of ocean-farmed Atlantic salmon provides 1.9 grams of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids.


Learn more about the health values of ocean-farmed salmon—see Salmon: The Healthy Choice 


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Ocean-farmed salmon are grown under carefully controlled conditions, with constant monitoring of growing conditions and production inputs. Every fish that?s raised can be traced from the hatchery to the store where it is bought.


Food inspection agencies in the United States (the Food and Drug Administration - FDA), Canada (the Canadian Food Inspection Agency - CFIA) and Chile (Servicio Nacional de Pesca - Sernapesca) continuously monitor salmon quality during the production and processing steps. More 


In addition to complying with government regulations, the ocean-farmed salmon industry, working in conjunction with retailers, has its own stringent production and monitoring standards.


Together, this combination of industry and regulatory efforts ensures the highest quality, freshest, safest food reaches consumers.


Ocean-farmed Salmon and Food Safety:


No Mercury Concerns


Mercury has been in the news a lot lately, and some authorities recommend reduced consumption of some fish to limit mercury intake. Fortunately, these concerns do not apply to ocean-farmed or wild salmon.


In fact, in ongoing testing conducted by the FDA, salmon has been consistently rated as among the fish with the lowest mercury levels.


Antibiotics are administered to ocean-farmed salmon in limited amounts and are used solely for medical purposes, not to increase the growth rates of the fish. Licensed veterinarians supervise the administering of the prescription antibiotics, and farmers adhere to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations through monitoring and regulating antibiotic withdrawal times so that levels do not exceed FDA tolerances.


No Hormoes


No hormones are used in the production of ocean-farmed salmon.


To learn more about the nutritional values of ocean-farmed salmon, see Ocean-farmed Salmon: The Healthy Choice 


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Ocean-farmed salmon are grown under carefully controlled conditions, with constant monitoring of growing conditions and production inputs. Every fish that?s raised can be traced from the hatchery to the store where it is bought.


Food inspection agencies in the United States (the Food and Drug Administration - FDA), Canada (the Canadian Food Inspection Agency - CFIA) and Chile (Servicio Nacional de Pesca - Sernapesca) continuously monitor salmon quality during the production and processing steps. More 


In addition to complying with government regulations, the ocean-farmed salmon industry, working in conjunction with retailers, has its own stringent production and monitoring standards.


Together, this combination of industry and regulatory efforts ensures the highest quality, freshest, safest food reaches consumers.


Ocean-farmed Salmon and Food Safety:


No Mercury Concerns


Mercury has been in the news a lot lately, and some authorities recommend reduced consumption of some fish to limit mercury intake. Fortunately, these concerns do not apply to ocean-farmed or wild salmon.


In fact, in ongoing testing conducted by the FDA, salmon has been consistently rated as among the fish with the lowest mercury levels.


Antibiotics


Antibiotics are administered to ocean-farmed salmon in limited amounts and are used solely for medical purposes, not to increase the growth rates of the fish. Licensed veterinarians supervise the administering of the prescription antibiotics, and farmers adhere to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations through monitoring and regulating antibiotic withdrawal times so that levels do not exceed FDA tolerances.


No Hormoes


No hormones are used in the production of ocean-farmed salmon.


To learn more about the nutritional values of ocean-farmed salmon, see Ocean-farmed Salmon: The Healthy Choice 


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A healthy lifestyle can do more than keep those extra pounds off - it can help save your life. Eating right and exercising daily can add years to your life, but it can be a difficult routine to incorporate. Finding the right balance by adding ocean-farmed salmon to your diet can be a tasty and low-fat way to start out on the right foot.


Well-Balanced Diet


Fruit, vegetables, whole grains and protein-packed meals constitute a well-balanced diet. It's important to receive an appropriate balance of food and drink to supply nutrition and energy for your body. A well-balanced diet is essential for optimal growth and development at all stages of life. Learn more about a Well-Balanced Diet 


Family Fitness


Exercise is so important in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It can help all bodies, regardless of age, with stress relief, injury protection, increased coordination, improved mental outlook and weight maintenance. Get the whole family involved in exercising and eating right! Learn more about Family Fitness 


Tips for Kids


Healthful habits start at home. Establishing good eating habits combined with introducing sports and exercise at an early age can build a strong foundation for your children's physical and emotional health.


Parents can be the motivation for the children. Instead of buying junk food for kids, let them snack on healthy treats like crackers and salmon dip or salmon sandwiches. In addition to low-fat meals, teach them fun sports and games that will keep them active after school. Learn more about Tips for Kids