Salmon, both fresh and smoked is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids which are found in other oily fish such as mackerel. Omega-3 is sadly lacking in a lot of Western diets, but we should try to include foods that contain it as it can help to lower blood pressure, and cholesterol levels in the blood as well as lessening the risk of hemorrhages. It helps to keep the heart healthy and protects against some cancers and it also helps stabilize our moods. It is not an anti-depressant but has some benefits for our state of mental health as it is also high n protein. Omega-3 may also help to reduce the triglycerides, which are types of fat, in our blood which is good news for people with Type II diabetes as they usually have higher levels than normal in their blood.

Smoked salmon is also rich in vitamin E which has anti-inflammatory properties and also has potent antioxidant ones. This means that smoked salmon consumption can help combat the free radicals which cause healthy cells to become cancerous.

Salmon contains bioactive peptides which may help with the maintenance of healthy cartilage around the joints (knees, ankles etc.) and they may also provide support for insulin’s effective use by the body and also help control and so lessen inflammation in the digestive tract. One of these bioactive peptides is calcitonin which is produced by the thyroid gland and helps to regulate and stabilize the balance of collagen and minerals in our bones and the tissues which surround and cushion them. Researchers hope to be able to provide conclusive evidence that these bioactive peptides reduce inflammation which would be good news for sufferers from arthritis and rheumatism as well as other inflammatory diseases.
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