Alaskan Fish Are Rich in Nutrients and Heart-Healthy Omega 3

Traditionally, Asian, Mediterranean and Greenlandand tuna, are particularly high in vitamin E, an
Eskimo populations have a higher life expectancyimportant antioxidant that can help reduce the risk
than populations in other parts of the world. Whatof heart disease. Minerals contained in Alaska fish
sets these communities apart? Some experts sayspecies include zinc, iron, calcium and selenium.
a diet rich in seafood.The importance of Omega 3 fatty acids,
"Studying populations such as the Alaskan andcontained in large amounts in Alaska Salmon,
Greenland Inuit, who frequently eat fatty fish orrainbow trout, sardines, mackerel and herring, has
marine animals rich in Omega-3's has taught us agarnered a lot of attention in recent years. The
great deal," says nutrition scientist Dr. JoyceAmerican Heart Association, in 2002, strengthened
Nettleton. "Traditionally these native people haveits recommendation about consumption of Omega
had very little cardiovascular disease or diabetes."3 fatty acids, urging Americans to consume at
Alaska seafood is high in protein and low inleast two servings of fish per week.
saturated fat, making it a welcome addition to aThe fish nutrients contained in Omega 3 fatty
healthy diet. Fish nutrients are said to beacids have a host of beneficial effects. Omega 3
particularly beneficial. Alaska fish species areoils are shown to reduce the risk of heart
suitable for grilling, broiling, sauteing, baking,disease, inflammatory processes and certain
poaching, steaming and smoking. Even cannedcancers. Research has also shown a link between
seafood, like Alaska salmon, packs a healthythe consumption of Omega 3-rich foods and
punch.improvements or prevention of ulcerative colitis,
Because Alaska is located thousands of milespsoriasis, arthritis, asthma, certain kinds of mental
from large sources of pollution, its waters areillness, depression and lupus erythematosus.
among the cleanest in the world. Therefore,Pregnant women would also be interested to
Alaska fish nutrients can be consumed withoutknow that an Omega 3 derivative called
worry about contaminating the body. Alaska fishdocosahexaenoic acid (DHA) can assist with brain
species are rich in essential vitamins, includingdevelopment in very young children.
vitamins E, C, D and A. Some species, like cod