Ideal Bite

Is your quest for the health benefits of Omega-3s causing you to swim upstream? Buy wild salmon instead of farm-raised.

07.20.2005

Submitted by idealbite on Wed, 07/20/2005 - 5:00pm.

The Bite:

We've all heard that salmon is good for us, but the latest research shows that certain types contain sometimes high levels of toxins (PCBs) that can cause cancer. The good news? Consume wild salmon, and show that you care about the environment AND your health.

The Benefits:

Natural, wild salmon has five to ten times lower carcinogen levels than Atlantic or farm-raised salmon.
Wild salmon contain a higher level of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids over their farm-raised counterparts. (They have both been shown to be good for a healthy heart.)
Wild salmon doesn't contain antibiotics or other added chemicals, and is richer in color, firmer in texture, and has better flavor than industry-produced salmon.

Personally Speaking:

Once we learned that farmed salmon was "color-enhanced" (they add food coloring to it), we only eat salmon when it is of the wild variety. The difference in taste really is enormous. Yes, wilder is better... ahem.

Wanna Try:

Many grocery stores and most natural markets carry wild salmon. If fresh wild salmon is not in season or available, remember that canned wild salmon and frozen wild salmon alternatives contain almost all the same health benefits. If you want to know more about the benefits of wild salmon or learn more about the harmful affects of PCBs, try visiting the following sites:

Whole Foods is usually a reliable source for fresh, wild salmon. To find one in your area, check the Whole Foods store locator.
If you are not near a store, or prefer to e-shop, we recommend SalmonGram.com - fresh, wild salmon delivered from Alaska to your door overnight.
ATSDR - Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry - FAQs on PCBs

Cocktail Fact

In the US, Salmon has edged out "fish sticks" to reign as the 3rd most widely-consumed seafood item (behind shrimp and tuna).

Bang For The Bite

You would have to consume 15 times more wild salmon to ingest the same amount of PCBs found in 1 portion of farm-raised salmon. Although it can cost up to $5 more a pound than farm-raised salmon, it's worth the difference.

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