There are plenty of reasons why salmon is considered a “super fish.” Yes, it’s delicious, and there are tons of easy and healthy recipes you can find spotlighting this incredible fish. But aside from its rich flavor and versatility as an ingredient, salmon is also super good for you. It’s is a great source of protein, selenium, and potassium, and it’s high in B vitamins. It’s also one of the best foods for weight loss because it keeps you feeling full longer. Studies strongly suggest it might even play a key role in reducing the risk of heart disease and improving brain function and development. 

We could rave forever about salmon health benefits (after all, salmon is at the heart of everything we do) but the ones you probably hear most about are Omega-3 fatty acids. If you’ve heard the term but aren’t familiar with Omega-3 fatty acids and why they’re so important, don’t worry — you’ve come to the right place. We’ll tell you all about these health-boosting fats and why you should be pumped that salmon packs plenty in every serving. 

What are Omega-3 fatty acids and are they good for you?

Omega-3s are essential fatty acids. In a nutshell, this family of polyunsaturated fats provides powerful health benefits for your brain, heart, cell membranes, and immune system. Omega-3s are also key in supporting prenatal development in women who are pregnant, and in improving cognitive function in people who suffer from memory problems due to issues like Alzheimer’s disease. 

Omega-3s are important for staying healthy, but many of us don’t get enough. Why? The human body can’t produce Omega-3 fatty acids by itself — we can only get them from the things we eat, which is one reason why a healthy and balanced diet is so important. And even then, our bodies can’t process Omega-3s very efficiently (we only absorb about 5% of what we consume), so we typically have to overcompensate with supplements just to get the amount we need. 

What’s salmon got to do with it?

Salmon is one of the most nutrient-rich foods on earth, so it should come as no surprise that it’s extremely rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Believe it or not, salmon are actually able to produce Omega-3s themselves. In many cultures around the world where salmon makes up a big part of the diet, this super fish plays a key role in Omega-3 and vitamin intake. And when it comes to the levels of Omega-3s found in different kinds of salmon, research has found there isn’t a big difference at all in the health benefits between wild vs. ocean-raised salmon. No matter which you choose, you’ll be getting a good dose of these powerful health-boosting polyunsaturated fats. 

The American Heart Association recommends two servings of fish a week and at least 250 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids per day. A serving of salmon packs in a whopping 4,123 mg per serving. That’s nearly double the Omega-3 content of cod liver oil and more than four times the Omega-3 content of herring. And on top of all that, salmon tastes delicious! No matter what cuisine of flavors you’re into, you’ll find endless ways to prepare this palette-pleasing fish — from Asian-inspired teriyaki dishes to oven-baked tandoori. 

It’s a new year — the perfect time to take charge of your health and wellness and set new goals for healthier living. One easy way to start reaching your milestones? Incorporate more salmon into your diet. We’ve got tons of delicious salmon recipes for you so you’ll never get tired of this fantastic fish. And while you’re enjoying all that flavor and goodness, you can rest easy knowing you’re delivering a powerful health boost to your body in the form of essential Omega-3 fatty acids. 

Check out our recipes — and learn more about BluGlacier’s commitment to salmon.