Go Wild With Salmon

by Kelley Herring

While we’re still reeling from all the press on the profound health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, emerging evidence shows there’s a catch. That delicious salmon fillet on your plate provides a boatload of essential fatty acids, but you may also wind up with some uninvited dinner guests if you’re not a savvy seafood selector.

Although farm-raising salmon allows more fish to get to market at an affordable price and ultimately end up on our tables, evidence shows farm-raised salmon contains dangerous levels of cancer-causing industrial chemicals called dioxins.

A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that levels of two specific PCBs-PCB 118 and PCB 156-were linked to a 60% to 80% greater risk of breast cancer, especially among premenopausal women. Similarly, a study published in Environmental Research found that odds of prostate cancer among men with the highest concentrations PCBs were over two times that among men with the lowest concentrations.

So how can you net the benefits of salmon without the fishy risks of PCBs? Healing Gourmet has a few simple solutions:

• Out to eat? Avoid salmon on the menu-it is almost always farm-raised.
• In the grocery? Ask your locale fishmonger if it is “wild”. And look for fish labeled "wild" in the freezer case (Whole Foods, Target and Publix all have wild fish available). You can also get delicious, ultra-luxe wild Alaskan salmon that’s been confirmed free of PCBs at Vital Choice- and it's delivered to your door!
• On a budget? Canned wild salmon is a good option. Try our easy Wild Salmon Burgers or Dill Salmon Salad for a no fuss, budget-conscious omega-3 packed meal in minutes.
• Smoked salmon? It’s usually farmed, and the smoking process produces carcinogens.