And the debate continues... should you buy wild caught or farm raised salmon? The answer might seem pretty easy, but believe it or not, many consumers are unsure. There are some healthful contrast to consider when it comes to wild and cultivated salmon. Wild salmon has less calories. Cultivated salmon may have more omega-3 unsaturated fats. According to MedlinePlus, "Saturated fat is a type of dietary fat. It is one of the unhealthy fats, along with trans fat. These fats are most often solid at room temperature. Foods like butter, palm and coconut oils, cheese, and red meat have high amounts of saturated fat."This means, wild salmon has less calories and saturated fat.
Round 1: Wild Salmon wins.
Continuing on, we are exposed to daily pollutants in the air and water. This also means fish, unfortunately, are exposed to the same potential cancer causing agents. Therefore, WHO warns about persistent organic pollutants, "Humans are exposed to these chemicals in a variety of ways: mainly through the food we eat, but also through the air we breathe, in the outdoors, indoors and at the workplace." Eating farmed raised salmon will expose you to an array of unwanted chemicals that are hazardous to the body.
Round 2: Wild Salmon wins.
Last but not least, farmed salmon contains a bigger number of poisons than their wild partners. Due to their meals containing higher poison levels anti-infection agents and pesticides contaminate the water with both nutrients and chemicals.
Round 3: Wild Salmon wins.
In conclusion, wild salmon is safer to eat while farmed salmon can be detrimental to your health. For more information about the best fish to eat, watch the video below:
Farmed Raised Salmon = 0. Wild Salmon = 3/3.
Enjoy,
Simply Pescatarian!