Nearly all the pink salmon commercially harvested in the United States comes from fisheries in Alaska, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Pink salmon is usually available to consumers in cans or pouches. Canned pink salmon may be packed in oil, while pink salmon that comes in a foil pouch is drained. Pink salmon carries many benefits for most people interested in a healthy food choice.
It Provides Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Pink salmon is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty acids are essential for proper health, but you must get them through the food you eat. Omega-3 fatty acids help with brain function, inflammation and heart disease risk. These acids also show promise in preventing cancer and alleviating arthritis, says the University of Maryland Medical Center.
It's Low in Calories and Fat
Pink salmon is low in calories, with about 39 in a 1-oz. serving, and it has no trans fats. Its total fat content in a 1-oz. serving is 1.38 g, which includes 0.24 g of saturated fat. Since it is low in calories and fat, pink salmon is a good choice for people watching their fat intake or limiting their calories.
It's Carbohydrate-Free
Pink salmon has 0 carbohydrates and sugar, making it beneficial to people with diabetes who need to keep blood glucose low and those who are trying to lower their intake of carbohydrates for weight loss.
It's Rich in Nutrients
Pink salmon is a sufficient source of several nutrients your body needs to function well and maintain health. It is rich in calcium, with 79 mg in a 1-oz. serving. It is a solid protein source, with 20 g of protein in a 3-oz. serving. A 1-oz. serving has 10 mg of magnesium and 88 mg of potassium. Pink salmon also has iron, niacin and vitamins A, B-12, C and E. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a 100-g serving of pink salmon has 44.6 mcg of selenium, which the body uses to make antioxidants.
References
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: Pink Salmon
- U.S. Department of Agriculture: Commodity Food Fact Sheet for Schools & Child Nutrition Institutions
- U.S. Department of Agriculture: Salmon, Pink, Canned
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omege-3 Fatty Acids
- National Institutes of health: Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet-Selenium
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