Is salmon a "heart-healthy" food?

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For many years, the American Heart Association has recommended that people eat fish rich in unsaturated fats at least twice a week. Salmon is rich in a protective antioxidant, astaxanthin, and it is an excellent source of high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals (including potassium, selenium, and vitamin B12). However, it is the content of omega-3 fatty acids in salmon that receives the most attention, and rightly so. It is this essential fat that is responsible for the reputation of salmon being a valuable heart and ‘brain food’.

 

How much omega-3 fatty acid does Norwegian salmon contain?

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One normal meal of salmon (150 g fillet) contains about 1.8 g EPA and DHA. This makes Norwegian salmon one of the richest food sources of omega-3. The levels of omega-3 in farmed Norwegian salmon, are around the same level as wild salmon. A normal meal of Norwegian salmon covers a person’s weekly needs of omega-3 fatty acids, following The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommendations.

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Do you use antibiotics?

 

Never! The ocean raised fish from Norway that Losos sells is antibiotic-free. "The Norwegian famers have been able to keep the salmon healthy so that they don’t have to use antibiotics.

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Is the Norwegian Salmon farming industry regulated?

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It’s extremely regulated. The Norwegian Seafood industry has developed a cooperative, multilayered system dedicated to ensuring the premium quality and exceptional safety of Norwegian Seafood. As the country’s second-largest export, following oil, the continued success of the seafood industry, as well as Norway’s economy, depends on exceeding international food safety standards. To do so, Norway created a meticulous surveillance system that follows the food chain from salmon feed ingredients to the consumer’s table, ensuring quality control every step of the way.

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How does Norway keep salmon farming in balance with the protection of the ecosystem?

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Northern Europe, where Norway’s aquaculture industry operates, hosts some of the most viable wild salmon stocks in the world. Norwegian salmon farms must be located in an area that protects the environment and native stocks.  Norway restricts the number of farms to fewer than 750 per 28,953 km of coastline and licenses are allocated sparingly to avoid excessive development. Between each farming cycle, farms are left to rest in order to preserve the natural environment. During this period, the seabed is closely monitored.

Norwegian aquaculture companies hold 4 out of the top 10 spots in the 2019 Coller FAIRR Protein Index, demonstrating that Norwegian aquaculture is among the most sustainable food production there is and that Norwegian salmon companies are leading the way in sustainable protein production.

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Is it OK to eat sardines every day?

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The American Heart Association recommends two servings per week of fatty fish, not fried, with each serving being about 3.5 ounces. Since sardines are consumed bones and all, they are an excellent source of calcium, providing about a third of the amount needed by the average person in each serving.

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Do Brisling sardines have more omega-3 fatty acids?

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All sardines contain omega-3 fatty acids, a substance your body needs but can only get through the foods you eat. Brisling sardines have the highest concentration of this substance. The feeding opportunities and icy habitat of the North Atlantic produce fish that provide 2.8 grams of Omega-3 in every 85-gram serving. This serving size also contains 11 grams of protein and is an excellent source of calcium. With three times the calcium as a cup of milk, brisling sardines also have the phosphorous and vitamin D needed for calcium absorption. In addition, these fish contain iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, copper, and all of the B vitamins.

 

Sardines are small… How nutritious can they be?

 

Many foods are called ‘superfoods’ but sardines are truly the ultimate.

According to the USDA database, one 3.2 oz can of sardines has 20g protein (that’s a lot!). It’s important to note that not all protein is made equal – there is a difference between plant and animal protein. 

Animal proteins tend to have a better, more complete nutrition compliment because their amino acid profiles typically include more essential amino acids necessary for our diet.

Sardines are an excellent source of the highest quality protein available. One can of sardines also contains about 300 mg calcium — more than a glass of cow’s milk.

They are high in Vitamin D (a vitamin the majority of Americans are deficient in!) and have an outstanding Omega-3 fatty acid profile. On top of this, they are a great source of B12, as well as numerous other nutrients.

 

Can sardines be eaten straight from the can?

 

Yes, sardines can be eaten straight from the can as an easily portable snack or used in recipes. They're also popular as a salad topping or smeared with a little homemade mayonnaise, mustard, or hot sauce. Or use the sardines themselves as the sauce with some sardine and roasted garlic spread.