Myth 5: Farmed salmon, Is it as nutritious as wild?

The simple fact is scientific studies have shown that both farmed and wild salmon carry the same nutritional health benefits.

Claims that farmed salmon are less nutritious than their wild counterparts are without basis and completely false. The simple truth is that farmed salmon has just as much nutritional value as its wild counterpart, if not more!

The many benefits of both farmed and wild salmon include it being a rich source of protein and an excellent source of minerals. In addition to this salmon is an oil-rich fish that is packed with vitamins A and D, as well as essential Omega- 3 fats.

Omega-3 fats are the "good fats" that are one of the most beneficial nutrients we can eat and are important for kids and adults alike. Our body cannot make these special fats so the body needs to eat foods containing omega 3 everyday. Salmon is one of the few foods to provide omega 3 fats and it is a source of two of the most important types of omega 3 – EPA & DHA. Omega 3 fats can be found in small amounts in other foods but the body has difficulty turning these fats into the EPA and DHA that it needs.

Everyday more and more research is published demonstrating the Omega-3 based health benefits to be had from eating farmed salmon. And the great news is that, according to the Seafood Choices study conducted by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, USA, farmed salmon is the best and safest choice for Omega-3 fatty acids!

The study was carried out in response to a request from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). In the study the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies reviewed evidence on the benefits and risks associated with seafood consumption to recommend ways to guide consumers in making seafood selections to meet their needs.