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Why salmon may no longer be the best source of omega-3s
It's no secret that omega-3 fatty acids are a crucial component of any healthy diet. According to the Mayo Clinic, a diet rich in these compounds can help you reduce your risk for developing cardiovascular diseases, manage your cholesterol levels and lower overall bodily inflammation, which can assist in other aspects of your health, from your brain to your joints. Salmon is often one of the main omega-3 sources recommended by health professionals. New research, however, reveals that this might not be true for long.
Farmed salmon seeing lower levels of omega-3s
According to Time magazine, the International Fishmeal and Fish Oil Organization has been speaking up recently about salmon showing increasingly lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids. A study published in 2008 revealed that this was also a concern six years ago, when a 3.5 ounce piece of farmed salmon provided you with around 2-2.5 grams of omega-3s. This number had declined by 3 grams since 2005. Time reported that now, a piece of farmed salmon that size will most likely only give you around 1.5 grams of the essential healthy compound.
The amount of omega-3 fatty acids in farmed salmon has been steadily declining in recent years.
This rapidly declining rate of omega-3s is partially due to the feed used by salmon farmers. With many organizations struggling to find an efficient anchovy provider due to an international shortage, they are often supplementing forage fish feed with things like soy, algae, insects, barley and nut meal.
"There are no regulations when it comes to omega-3 fatty acid amounts on fish labels. This means that it's almost impossible to really know how much of the compound you're consuming."
Time reported that since these dropping omega-3 levels are a relatively new phenomenon, there are no regulations when it comes to fish labels. This means that it's almost impossible to really know how much of the compound you're consuming. The source noted that salmon remains an excellent source of omega-3s - you just might need to consume more or supplement your meals with vegetables that also contain the compound.
The most efficient way to get your omega-3s
Due to salmon's decreasing omega-3 levels, it's a good idea to look for alternative ways to consume this beneficial compound. Taking a supplement is an easy and efficient way to consume omega-3s, but many products only contain between 30 and 60 percent and supplement with other oils. Omax3, the premium supplement on today's market, contains an impressive 91 percent concentrated omega-3 fatty acid oil. Not only has Omax3 been shown to be a superior anti-inflammatory substance compared to other brands - it's also been shown to lower bad cholesterol levels.
Essential takeaways
Omega-3 fatty acids are a crucial component of any healthy diet, and doctors often recommend eating salmon in order to consume them.
The amount of these essential compounds present in farmed salmon has been steadily declining over the past decade.
This decline is largely due to a shortage of forage fish used to feed salmon. Farmers are supplementing with other substances that cause the salmon to have lower omega-3 levels.
It's impossible to know how many grams of omega-3 fatty acids are in your salmon since there are no labeling regulations.
An easy and effective way to know you're getting a good amount of omega-3s is by taking the premium supplement Omax3.
The amount of omega-3 fatty acids in farmed salmon has been steadily declining in recent years.
