Nutritional Value of Fish

The nutritional value of fish is an extra bonus to a fun day at the lake followed by a delicious dinner of fish. Fish are high in protein and low in saturated fat. Fish are also a great source of Omega 3 Fish Oil and Fatty Acids . These fatty acids are not made by our bodies and must come from our diet or supplements. Numerous articles exist that explain the role that Omega 3 Fatty Acids play - supporting our skin, heart, blood pressure, brain, eyes, kidneys other other body systems.

Nutritional Value of Fish

Here is a table that compares the nutritional value of fish found in fresh water. Yes Salmon can be considered a fresh water fish, even though most of its adult life is spent in salt water.

Nutrient in 3oz Serving Cooked Dry Heat	King Salmon	Mixed Fresh Water Species	Trout - Mixed Species	Daily Value / 2000 Cal Diet
Energy	159 kcal	146 kcal	190 kcal
Protein	17.21 gm	4.73 gm	8.47 gm	50 gm
Total Fat/Lipid	9.97 gm	4.73 gm	8.47 gm	65 gm
Carbohydrate	0	0	0	300gm
Saturated Fat	1.59 gm	1.001 gm	1.474 gm	20 gm
Monosaturated	3.476 gm	1.835 gm	4.172 gm	n/a
Poly Unsaturated	1.359 gm	1.36 gm	1.922 gm	n/a
EPA - Omega 3	0.375 gm	0.305 gm	0.259 gm	n/a
DPA - Omega 3	0.102 gm	0.108 gm	0.235 gm	n/a
DHA - Omega 3	0.603 gm	0.458 gm	0.677 gm	n/a
Cholesterol	52 mg	87 mg	74 mg	n/a
Phosphorus	177 mg	256 mg	314 mg	1000 mg
Potassium	314 mg	456 mg	463 mg	3500 mg
Selenium	26.3 mg	16.2 mg	16.2 mg	70 mg
Niacin	7.153 mg	1.522 mg	5.769 mg	20 mg
Vitamin B-6	7.153 mg	1.522 mg	5.769 mg	20 mg
Vitamin B-6	0.230	0.138 mg	0.231 mg	2mg
Vitamin B-12	6.27 mcg	2.31 mcg	7.49 mcg	6 mcg

Source: USDA - http://search.nal.usda.gov/nutritionsearch

Not meant to be a substitute for consultation with your physician. Rather to show relative to each other how the nutrition of fish might compare and which nutrients are in good supply. Specific nutrients will be influenced by your preparation and addition of ingredients eg: sauces, fry oil, spices etc. Fish is lower in saturated fat than other meats, higher in unsaturated fat and Omega 3 Fatty Acids than other sources of protein. Any specific claim or desired outcome in terms of benefits should be discussed with your physician.

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Health Related Resource

The following resource covers many different healthy living suggestions including why eating certain fish can be good for you.  Please feel free to browse this excellent Ask Dr Sears website.

Ask Dr Sears

This resource - Ask Dr Sears - is a good resource for general health information for parents and families. There are several from the Sears family who provide excellent health information around a variety of health care topics.

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