Our impact
Healthy and nutritious food
Farmed salmon is an excellent source of protein, healthy fats in the form of omega-3 and several essential vitamins and minerals.
Nutrient profile
- Omega-3 fatty acids prevent and slow down the development of cardio vascular diseases. These fatty acids are also among the vital building blocks for our brain. Most important are the two long-chain fatty acids, DHA and EPA. EPA and DHA are unique to seafood and the best dietary sources are found in oily fish. Grieg Seafood's salmon contains on average 1,03 grams of EPA and DHA per 100 grams of fish consumed, based on samples from 2022.
- Protein builds and maintains all the cells in our body. Proteins consist of various amino acids, and the ones the body cannot produce itself are called essential amino acids. They must be obtained through our diet.
- Vitamin D is necessary to maintain the calcium level in our bodies. It is also important to build and maintain our skeletons. The body can only produce vitamin D itself when the skin is exposed to direct sunlight, or if our diets includes natural sources of vitamin D. Fatty fish and fish liver contains vitamin D.
- Vitamin B12 is essential when the body grows new cells. Because we constantly need a lot of red blood cells, we can develop anemia if we don`t have enough of this vitamin.
- Vitamin A contributes to healthy eyesight and a strong immune system. The vitamin is also essential for healthy fetal development and has a positive impact on reproductive health.
- Iodine is important for maintaining a normal metabolism. Iodine deficiency can lead to metabolic changes, which may cause reduced growth and mental retardation.
- Selenium is important for the body's immune system because it helps to fight damaging chemical processes in the body. Selenium also seems to protect us against pollutants and heavy metals.
- Minerals are important for many different functions in the body. Salmon contains Calcium, Phosphorus, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc and Selenium.
Health impacts
Research shows that eating seafood at least twice a week helps maintain a healthy heart and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Regular consumption of salmon can promote health and development across the lifespan.
Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) is associated with:
- Helping maintain a healthy heart by lowering blood pressure and triglycerides, and reducing the risk of sudden death, heart attack and stroke1,2,3,4
- Reducing the risk of coronary heart disease3,4
- Possibly preventing psychiatric diseases particularly cognitive decline in the elderly5
- Supporting brain function and development in infants6
- Possibly preventing inflammation and reducing the risk of arthritis5,7
Recommended by dietary guidelines
Global food-based dietary guidelines recommend regular consumption of fish and particularly oily fish due to its high levels of EPA and DHA. The dietary guidelines of the US and the UK recommend eating two portions of fish each week.8,9 The dietary guidelines of Norway recommend eating two to three portions of fish each week, where at least 200 grams should be fatty fish like salmon.10
Read more in the Global Salmon Initiative handbook here.1) Weichselbaum E et al. Nutr Bull 2013;38(2):128–177 U.S.
2) Schwellenbach LJ et al. J Am Coll Nutr 2006;25(6):480–485.
3) Innes J.K and Calder P.C Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020;21, 1362.
4) Food and Drug Administration. Summary of qualified health claims subject to enforcement discretion. 2014. Available at: https://regulatorydoctor.us/wp-content/ uploads/2014/09/Summary-of-Qualified-Health-Claims-Subject-to-Enforcement-Discretion.pdf Last Accessed October 2019.
5) Pusceddu M.M et al. International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology 2016; 19(12): 1-23.
6 Hibbeln JR et al. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2019;151:14–36.
7) Akbar U et al. JCR: Journal of Clinical Rheumatology 2017 23;(6): 330-339.
8) USDA and USDHHS. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2015-2020. Available at: https://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/2015/resources/2015-2020_Dietary_ Guidelines.pdf Last accessed October 2019.
9) Public Health England. The Eat Well Guide. 2018. Available at: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/742750/ Eatwell_Guide_booklet_2018v4.pdf Last accessed October 2019.
10) Norwegian Directorate of Health. Dietary guidelines. https://www.helsedirektoratet.no/faglige-rad/kostradene-og-naeringsstoffer/kostrad-for-befolkningen/fisk-til-middag-to-til-tre-ganger-i-uken Related articles
