Many of us are trying to eat less red meat and poultry. But at the same time, who wants to sacrifice flavor or satisfaction? If this sounds like you, then it’s time to consider wild-caught Alaskan salmon.
From delicate coho to bold sockeye, each species of wild salmon offers exceptional taste, versatility, and nutrition. When harvested responsibility from Alaskan fisheries, it’s also some of the most sustainable seafood on the planet.
Here are 10 reasons why you should be eating more wild salmon.
1. Wild Salmon Is a Good Source of Protein
Whether it’s king, sockeye, or coho, a 6 oz. serving of wild-caught salmon provides the majority of your daily protein needs — about 34 to 37 grams. That’s about three-quarters of your recommended daily allowance. And unlike farmed salmon, wild salmon offers high protein while maintaining low levels of saturated fat1.
2. Wild Salmon Is Nutrient-Dense
Wild salmon levels-up your protein intake. But it also packs essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants into every bite. Notably, salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, like EPA and DHA. These fats are unique to seafood, and they may help reduce chronic inflammation and support healthy brain function2. Recent studies have started to explore salmon oil's anti-inflammatory potential on ulcerative colitis3. This new research signals the healing potential of nutrients in wild seafood.
Many people are aware of salmon’s omega-3 content. But wild salmon also contains a powerful blend of vitamins D and B, potassium, selenium, and magnesium. Among other functions, these important nutrients support immune health and bone function.
3. Wild Salmon Can Support Healthy Skin
Considered a skin health superfood, wild-caught salmon contains omega-3s that may help maintain skin elasticity and moisture. These essential fats nourish the skin from within and can support reduced inflammation. Further, wild salmon contains astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant. Astaxanthin’s antioxidant properties may help protect skin from damage caused by free radicals and UV radiation4.
4. Wild Salmon Can Help Support Better Sleep
Including wild salmon in your diet may contribute to better sleep patterns and improved sleep quality. There are several nutrients found in wild salmon that may help support a restful night of sleep. One key component that contributes to sleep quality is salmon’s vitamin B6 content. B6 plays a crucial role in the production of serotonin, which can promote relaxation5. Additionally, wild salmon contains tryptophan. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that helps support the sleep-wake cycle6.
The omega-3 fatty acids in wild salmon also play a role, as they may help regulate the body's production of melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that's essential for regulating sleep-wake cycles.
5. Wild Salmon Is Rich in Antioxidants
Wild salmon is renowned for its rich array of antioxidants. Those antioxidants play a crucial role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Among salmon's standout antioxidants is astaxanthin. You may not think you know what astaxanthin is, but you’ve definitely seen it: astaxanthin is the carotenoid (pigment) that gives wild salmon its vibrant red or pink color.
Color isn't the only thing astaxanthin offers, though. It also supports a healthy response to inflammation throughout the body, helping to keep you healthy. Other antioxidants in salmon such as selenium and vitamin E further support a healthy response to oxidative stress.
6. Frozen Wild Salmon Retains Its Quality
While it might seem counterintuitive, frozen salmon is some of the best fish you can buy. That’s because fish that’s been frozen shortly after harvest is preserved at peak quality. Keeping it frozen until it gets to you allows you to enjoy its incredible taste, texture, and nutritional value — simply defrost it when you’re ready to cook.
7. Wild Salmon Is a Sustainable Choice
Wild Alaskan salmon is a great choice for consumers, but it also is a great choice for the environment. Responsibly harvesting wild salmon in its natural habitat helps maintain a sustainable balance in the ecosystem. In contrast, the production of farmed salmon often requires large inputs of antibiotics, pesticides, and other chemicals that pose a threat to other species and critical ecosystems.
Fisheries in Alaska adhere to strict sustainable fishing practices. In fact, sustainable harvest is part of Alaska's state constitution. Science-based management protects salmon stocks and other marine species. By choosing wild salmon, you support responsible fishing practices. In turn, responsible fishing ensures healthy salmon populations for the future.
8. Wild Salmon Is All-Natural
Unlike meat that comes from industrial feedlots, wild Alaskan salmon is always free of antibiotics and hormones. Better still, wild salmon is never genetically modified. Also, don’t worry if you don’t see the word “organic” on your wild Alaskan salmon. There are no human inputs like feed, antibiotics, or other chemicals, so there’s nothing to label or regulate as “organic.” Wild salmon are simply wild.
In contrast, farmed salmon contains synthetic additives that include antibiotics and food pellets engineered with dye. Learn more about the health profile of wild vs farmed salmon.
9. There Are Endless Ways to Enjoy Wild Salmon
Wild salmon can be enjoyed using a wide range of cooking methods, flavors, and culinary traditions. Try grilling it with lemon and herbs for a refreshing summer meal. Or, bake it with a maple and garlic glaze for a sweet and savory twist. You can also simply pan-sear a fillet with a sprinkle of salt and pepper for a quick and satisfying dish that’s big on flavor, low in calories, and easy to make.
For more inspiration, check out the best ways to prepare salmon with these five wild salmon recipes.
10. Buying Wild Salmon Is Easier Than You Think
Many retailers sell a variety of farmed Atlantic salmon products, but offer a limited selection of wild salmon options. This can make it a little more difficult for you to access high-quality wild salmon from Alaska.
The easiest way to enjoy wild salmon as part of your diet is to connect with a trusted supplier like Wild Alaskan Company. With convenient online ordering and reliable delivery, enjoying genuine wild salmon has never been more accessible. Get sustainably sourced, wild-caught Alaskan salmon delivered right to your doorstep.
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids EPA and DHA: Health Benefits Throughout Life, 2012
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A salmon peptide diet alleviates experimental colitis as compared with fish oil, 2013
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Astaxanthin in Skin Health, Repair, and Disease: A Comprehensive Review, 2018
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L-Tryptophan: Basic Metabolic Functions, Behavioral Research and Therapeutic Indications, 2009