Salmon's unique compounds aid heart health, new research suggests

These findings, published in "The Journal of Nutrition," suggest that salmon harbors distinctive compounds, including many omega-3 fatty acids, associated with improved cholesterol levels and other heart health indicators. Experts consider the findings of this recent research to be a stride towards identifying more specific, beneficial components within our food.

In the studied piece, the health advantages of salmon were assessed in the context of the Mediterranean diet, considering its high amounts of vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats. The results indicate that salmon contains 508 food-specific compounds (FSC), including some not found in other foods, and 237 metabolites (substances produced during digestion or other bodily chemical processes) unique to salmon.

The study reveals that when salmon is consumed as part of the Mediterranean diet, at least 48 of these compounds and 30 metabolites are provided to the body. Four of these metabolites are associated with significant enhancements in cardiometabolic health markers. The benefits include decreases in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and apolipoprotein B, an indicator of heart disease.

Experts, such as dietitian Michelle Routhenstein, see these studies as a way forward in identifying more specific, effective elements in our food.

When selecting salmon, the origin of the fish is crucial. The best approach is avoiding farmed salmon from South and Central America. In these regions, farming standards are frequently overlooked, potentially affecting the quality of the fish. An alternative could be farmed salmon from Scotland and Norway, where stricter farming regulations exist. Nevertheless, care should be taken even when opting for salmon from Scandinavia. Factors such as advancements in the food industry, increased demand for salmon meat, and economic conditions significantly impact the quality of the fish.