Salmon is a great source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various
When buying it in the grocery store you have two options: wild caught or from the farm. But does it really matter which you choose?
What’s the difference?
The difference between the two lies in how they’re caught or raised. As you might expect, wild salmon are caught in their natural environment, be that oceans, rivers, or lakes. They are
Unlike farmed salmon, they are not bred to be eaten and so have not been fed certain foods or additives. They also tend to be a bit
Farmed salmon, meanwhile, are reared in tanks or enclosures and given a high-fat, high-protein diet to make them grow larger. They are typically Atlantic salmon, are available year-round, and account for around 75 percent of all salmon you eat, according to
Which is better?
There are several nutritional differences between wild and farmed salmon. In general, wild salmon has fewer calories and a lower fat content. And it’s thought it
On the other hand, farmed salmon has more omega-3 fatty acids, but also more saturated fat.
Nutrients aside, it’s also worth considering exposure to pollutants, something that both types of
There are also concerns that wild salmon may contain more mercury than farmed salmon, although at such low concentrations that it is not believed to be harmful when the fish is eaten in moderation.
It is still largely thought that the health benefits of eating both types of salmon outweigh these small risks. If you do want to reduce exposure to contaminants and pollutants, you can try removing the skin, registered dietitian Julia Zumpano told
Moreover, antibiotics are sometimes used when farming salmon, which has sparked concerns about furthering
So, which should you choose? While there are some minor nutritional and environmental differences between the two, both are still a nutritious choice, so don’t get too bogged down in the wild vs farmed debate. The
Now the only question left is: What about
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The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.