Rich tasting food that’s satisfying usually comes with an extra price tag of guilt. Few meals are enjoyable and healthy. Marinated Salmon is the exception to this rule. This fish is the ultimate savory comfort dish in its ability to warm and fill the stomach while giving the body necessary essential vitamins and fatty acids without any extra calories. To make a meal of salmon even more deliciously tempting the price is usually much less than the same amount of steak or beef.
The better a food tastes the more desirable it becomes, but sadly for many Americans the only exposure to this wonderful and versatile fish is from outdated, dry as a bone recipes. The best way to prepare a meal with salmon is to start with a fresh salmon steak. Check freshness by pressing a finger into the fish. Fresh salmon will spring back quickly into its original shape. If a fish is still intact, check the eyes. These should be clear and bright, and not cloudy. The skin of a fresh salmon is shiny too. A strong fishy odor is a sign the fish is no longer fresh.
For those who enjoy Marinated salmon with a buttery flavor a good choice is Chinook salmon, which is one of the largest varieties. The rich, full flavor comes from the high oil content of the fish. A more delicate flavor variety is found in pink salmon. Pink salmon is also easier to cook.
When a salmon fillet is grilled or broiled without butter or with a very light oil this fish will retain all of its health benefits, while taking on very few extra fat calories. Since this fish has a naturally rich taste, a heavy sauce or extra butter is completely unnecessary. This is one of the many reasons that Marinated salmon is so easy to prepare. A cook should thoroughly clean the fish, and make sure the preparation area and pan are clean. Salmon like all fish should be cooked to the point that no portion of the fish is still raw since this helps to eliminate the possibility of harmful bacteria.
Whatever variety is chosen freshness is the important factor in order to receive the full benefit of the proteins, vitamins, and omega 3 fatty acids found in Marinated salmon. This fish is famous for easy to digestible proteins and Omega 3 fatty acids in the form of Triglyceride. It shouldn’t be forgotten however that Salmon also provides vitamins A, and D, as well as several of the B group of vitamins. Minerals like Selenium, Zinc, Phosphorus, Calcium, and Iron are also present and accounted for on the plate when you serve salmon.
Omega 3 fatty acids are extremely important to the human body. In fact, such acids are referred to as essential fatty acids. The body needs these acids to function properly, but cannot produce them alone. These acids must be taken in as food. Salmon leads the list of foods containing Omega 3s. While tuna, halibut, most seafood, krill, algae, and some plants contain Omega 3 too, the rich oil of salmon is the best source.
Omega 3 fatty acids are known to significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. It is also believed to improve memory and brain function. Some research indicates that the risks of some cancers are greatly reduced with a steady source of Omega 3 in the diet. Studies have proven a diet containing several servings of fish per week lowers blood pressure.
Omega 3 fatty acids are also believed to reduce inflammation in the arteries, and digestive system. Because the proteins in salmon are easier to digest than most meats or other sources it is a great choice for anyone wishing to improve muscle tone or performance. With a meal of salmon, the diner receives up to 58 percent of the daily-recommended amount of protein in a 4 ounce serving of fish. When struggling with weight loss this is a perfect meal since, it is more filling then most other types of low calorie food.
The Omega 3 fatty acids in salmon together with the selenium and vitamin D help increase the body’s reaction to insulin a plus for anyone wishing to lose weight or needing better control of metabolism. Omega 3 may also help to improve memory and aid in better functioning of the brain in times of constant stress and sleep deficiency.
The most amazing property of salmon is the amount of nutrition packed into a tasty meal with so few calories. A serving of salmon or 124.0 grams is only 185 calories. Even more incredible is that only 49 of these calories are from fat and salmon has only 2.8 grams of saturated fat. Compared to a smaller meal of steak at only 85 grams and 168 calories with 68 calories from fat the advantage goes to the meal of salmon. The smaller steak meal also contains 2.8 grams of saturated fat, but is not as satisfying in size. A fried chicken breast is 218 calories with a whooping 100 fat calories. Even more telling the fried chicken breast has 3.0 grams of saturated fat.
Even other fish containing Omega 3 cannot do deliver taste without calorie cost the way salmon can. A half fillet of baked halibut is lower in saturated fat, but is 223 calories with a total of 42 calories from fat. In thinking of the wonder of the place salmon can have in your diet consider that even a cup of cooked spaghetti is 221 calories, but has no Omega 3 or any of the same vitamin benefits you find in this remarkable fish.
Rising prices on beef are reflected even in fast food chains. Steak is expensive. Salmon prices however, are remaining steady. A family can eat a more nutritious meal with salmon as the main protein source, and this delicious meal will cost less money than with most quality beef or poultry entries. As important as the protein component is to the dining experience having something as healthy as salmon is a great find.