Salmon is one of the most nutritious foods available. Plus they are extremely tasty too. It is a good deal when you get nutrient-rich food that is also delicious. From sushi to salads, salmon can be made into mouth-watering dishes. One can steam, saute, grill, bake, poach, or smoke to enjoy this fish. Its unique pink flesh and buttery flavor make it a crowd favorite easily. Native to the North Atlantic and Pacific oceans, there are farm-grown and seawater-grown available.
With a multitude of health benefits to talk about, we will be discussing one major question: is salmon good for weight loss? Well, turns out it has some perks when it comes to losing weight. So we will see how this fish contributes to weight loss plus some other major benefits as well. Without wasting further time let us get right into it.
Is Salmon Good For Weight Loss?
- One obvious factor that supports weight loss is the protein content. Like any other protein-rich food, this nutrient in salmon may support suppressing appetite and cravings. Protein can alter the hormones that are associated with feelings of hunger and satiety. So consuming more protein-rich food means the right direction in weight loss. The Journal of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome released a research paper in 2020 September on clinical evidence of weight loss through a protein-rich diet highlighting that eating protein-rich foods can temporarily accelerate metabolism again supporting weight loss.
- Salmon is known to be a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. There are studies associated with these fatty acids and weight loss. It is specifically shown to be effective in reducing visceral fat. It may also aid in increasing muscle mass and losing fat.
- This fish is rich in B vitamins. These vitamins are linked with better metabolism and fat burning.
- Salmon is low in calories and high in nutrients making it a suitable food for weight loss. 100 grams of this fish comes to around just 200 calories. Getting that many nutrients and a portion of filling food with 200 calories is a pretty good deal.
So if you are asking the question is salmon good for weight loss, you got the answer.
Other health benefits of Salmon
Besides weight management, there are a multitude of health benefits associated with Salmon. Let us see some of the top benefits of this fish.
- Good source of selenium and potassium
Potassium plays a vital role in regulating your blood pressure levels and may also reduce the risk of stroke. It also works against excessive fluid retention. Selenium is a trace element that is essential for bone health. It’s also proven to be beneficial for supporting better thyroid function.
- Astaxanthin
Ever wonder how the salmon flesh got the pinkish hue? Astaxanthin is the right answer. This compound is a potent antioxidant that is said to have a plethora of health benefits. Astaxanthin is said to support better heart health and reduce bad cholesterol levels in your body. There are many benefits associated with this antioxidant like better skin, a healthy nervous system, and a lot more.
- Bone health
Salmon contains vitamin D which is responsible for boosting calcium absorption facilitating better bone health. The phosphorus in this fish is also said to support better bone health. Eating fish is also linked to reduced chances of osteoporosis in later stages of life.
- Vision
The astaxanthin that we discussed before also has one more perk. A study done by Marine Drugs on the application of astaxanthin in the treatment of ocular disease has revealed that this compound can support eye health by preventing certain eye conditions. Plus the vitamin A in this fish may also support improved vision. The omega-3 fatty acids are also proven to be beneficial in treating dry eye disease.
- Reduce inflammation
Several studies have shown that consuming salmon can reduce inflammation markers. One among them would be the research published by the Heart and Vessels journal in 2021 revealing the importance of fish consumption for tackling heart conditions like atherosclerosis.
Another would be a randomized controlled trial published in the Nutrients Journal in 2021 highlighting the potency of salmon to reduce the inflammation markers and contribute to our well-being. Preventing inflammation is necessary as this is the most common cause of chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, and certain heart conditions.
To sum up
Salmon is a very healthy food and there is no doubt about that. However, using this alone is not ideal for weight loss. You will have to incorporate salmon more into your diet and use it along with a healthy lifestyle to see better weight loss benefits. Follow a good workout routine and consume healthy and nutritionally balanced meals to support your weight loss goals better.
This article explored various benefits of salmon, predominantly asking the question; is salmon good for weight loss? Salmon is a good weight loss diet as it is low in calories, rich in nutrition, tasty to eat, and versatile enough to prepare a variety of meals. So, to answer that question, there is no doubt that this fish can support your weight loss journey when consumed adequately.
