Farmed vs Wild Salmon?

When you're buying salmon, you may see different varieties. Many people are buying salmon for the health benefits, the oils that contain Omega 3 fatty acids. Both farmed and wild salmon are the most popular type of salmon purchased. Salmon has among the lowest methyl-mercury contamination levels of all fish.

We are what we eat, so if you're like me you only want the best.

First off, salmon farms of some kind make up about 80% of salmon on the market today. In the United States, the number is higher – 90% by some estimates. If you bought a salmon fillet in the supermarket recently or ordered one in a restaurant, chances are it was born in a plastic tray here, or a place just like it. You most likely don't want to know what went into that fish, but you need to know what you are putting in your body.

Farms can “raise” up to a million salmon at a time. Many assessments have found fewer omega-3s per ounce in farmed salmon compared with wild salmon. And because the farmed fish are fattier, you’ll get less protein per serving as well.




To add a little more complexity in your decision, a “wild” label may only be telling a half truth.

They’re generally the less expensive - the “wild” brands offered in your grocery store. They are a better nutritional deal than fully farmed salmon, and have had less exposure to toxins than farmed salmon.

So, what about truly wild salmon? It accounts for about 20% at most of the harvest & it’s expensive. Make an effort to treat yourself by buying some of the real stuff once in a while - your body will return the good gesture.

It's not just one thing that keeps us healthy, its from a combination of healthy foods out there. Remember it is best to get your nutrients from natural foods. I am not against taking vitamins. I promote vitamins and take supplements myself. Just remember your vitamins should be supplements -saving that for another day.





Excerpt from:
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-me-salmon9dec09,0,2475812.story