As if you needed another reason to eat this power protein.
Eating Well / Jacob Fox
Inflammation is getting a lot of attention lately.
And thats just for starters.
Photo:Eating Well / Jacob Fox
But what is inflammation, and why does it matter?
Inflammation is your bodys response to injury or infection.
When it happens occasionally, like when you have a paper cut, its no big deal.
However, ongoing inflammation can cause your body to chronically produce harmful disease-causing substances known as free radicals.
Of course, theres no one magical food that can tame inflammation all by itself.
However, there is one that works overtime to get the job done, and thats salmon.
In addition to being a potent inflammation fighter, salmon is also loaded with protein.
No wonder dietitians are such huge fans!
Heres how it may help keep inflammation at bay.
Packed with Omega-3 Fats
Salmon is an excellent source of the long-chainomega-3 fatsEPA and DHA.
1 nutrient to lower inflammation.
How do they do this?
So, we need to get them from food.
you’re free to also get long-chain omega-3s from mackerel, anchovies, herring and sardines.
Supports a Healthy Immune System
Theres another reason salmon is such a powerful foe against inflammation.
They tell immune cells when to start fighting infections, heal injuries or cause inflammation when needed.
However, if too many cytokines are released, they can lead to excess inflammation.
Provides Antioxidants
Salmon gets its signature red hue from a pigment called astaxanthin.
This cousin of beta carotene is also an antioxidant that can help quash inflammation.
All salmon contains some astaxanthin, but sockeye salmon has the most.
Astaxanthin isnt the only antioxidant salmon has to offer.
The reason circles back to cytokines, which can be pro- or anti-inflammatory, depending on the jot down.
As important as vitamin D is, many Americans do not consume enough of it.
The good news is, salmon is one of the richest sources.
One 3-ounce serving of sockeye salmon provides an impressive 71% of the Daily Value (570 IU).
Tips to Enjoy Salmon
The skys the limit when it comes to ways to enjoy salmon!
Salmon is also incredibly versatile, pairing beautifully with a variety of herbs, spices and sauces.
Of course, no one single food will eliminate inflammation.
At the same time, reducing inflammation goes beyond diet alone.
Movement, sleep and stress management can also guard against inflammation.
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