Smoked salmon, or lox, is a food high in protein and enriched with many wonderful health benefits. Since it is a fatty fish, you consume more oil during your meal, which is great for your heart. These fish also contain essential nutrients beneficial to your health. Smoked salmon and other fish each have their unique benefits and a diet with multiple types of smoked fish included can save you many problems in the future.
Protein
Eating smoked fish in Twickenham helped thousands keep up with their daily need for protein without the need for red meat. As an omnivore, you must consume enough protein each day to keep your tissues strong and healthy. Dietary proteins break down into an array of nutrients known as amino acids, which are compounds that your cells utilise to function properly. Without enough protein in your diet, your body may begin to break down tissues, including muscle tissue, as an alternative source of amino acids. Lox is considered a complete protein, providing every amino acid that cells require to make what they need to function. About 85 grams of smoked salmon can boost your protein intake by 15.5 grams, approximately 25% of the daily protein requirements for a 68 kilogram individual.
Fat
No matter what magazines and other media might tell you, humans require fat to remain healthy. Smoked salmon and other fish provide a rich source of healthy fact. In an 85 gram serving of this fish, you find anywhere between three and seven grams of total fat, including .45 grams of omega-3 fatty acids. Such fats maintain brain function to protect you from depression, memory loss, and even dementia caused by omega-3 deficiency. Each serving of smoked salmon can provide up to 41% of the recommended omega-3 fatty acid intake for women and 28% for men.
Iron
Smoked fish, especially salmon, proved to be a great source of essential minerals, including iron. Getting enough iron in your diet can help to give you energy during the day. Used by your blood cells to supply your tissues with oxygen needed to support your metabolism, you need iron in your daily diet. Low iron intake may prevent your blood from carrying enough oxygen, leading to fatigue and an elevated heart rate. An 85 gram portion of lox may contain as much as .72 milligrams of iron, which is 9% of the daily iron requirement for men or 4% for women.
Considerations
Despite its many nutritional benefits, smoked salmon consumed in large amounts might affect your health in a negative way. Smoked salmon is high in sodium with as much as 1,700 milligrams of sodium per 85 gram serving. This is more than your entire intake of the nutrient for the day and a high sodium intake may increase your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Look for low-sodium varieties of smoked salmon or a company determined to offer fresh local fish, which are often lower in sodium due to their fresher state. Avoid olives, pickles, and pre-packaged foods to cut down on sodium when possible.