What Are the Benefits of Salmon Patties?
Fish have a well-deserved good reputation when it comes to nutritional value -- as not only do they provide ample amounts of the essential nutrients you need to function, but they also reduce the risk of chronic disease. In fact, consuming just 6 ounces of fish each week reduces your risk of cardiovascular disease by more than one-third, reports the Harvard School of Public Health. Salmon patties, made by mixing ground salmon with other ingredients, offer a number of health benefits.
Basic Nutritional Information
Each basic salmon patty -- made with 2 ounces of salmon, 1/2 ounce of bread crumbs, one-quarter of an egg, and then baked without the use of added fat -- contains 169 calories and provides 8 percent of your recommended daily caloric intake, based on a 2,000-calorie diet. It serves as a good source of protein, at 17 grams per serving, and provides the amino acids your body needs to maintain your immune system and support tissue development. Salmon patties also provide considerable amounts of carbohydrates and fats -- 10 and 6 grams per serving, respectively.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
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Salmon patties boost your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, which benefit your cardiovascular health. Omega-3 fatty acids lower blood pressure, reduce blood cholesterol and improve blood vessel function. They also slow the progression of atherosclerosis -- a cardiovascular disease caused by a buildup of fatty plaques in the arteries. The omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon also contribute to brain function and might play a role in reducing your risk of Alzheimer's disease. Each salmon patty contains 0.7 grams of omega-3 fatty acids.
Vitamins D and B-12
Incorporate salmon patties into your diet as a source of vitamins, especially vitamins D and B-12. Vitamin D helps your body process calcium, and, as a result, getting enough vitamin D supports bone health. It also supports your immune system and guides cell maturation. Vitamin B-12 plays a role in red blood cell growth and also supports the continued function of your nervous system. Each salmon patty provides you with 487 international units of vitamin D -- 83 percent of the recommended daily intake -- as well as 3.2 micrograms of vitamin B-12, or your entirely daily recommended intake as set by the Institute of Medicine.
Serving Tips
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Make your own salmon patties at home to ensure their nutritional value because pre-packaged and frozen varieties might contain added sodium or fat. Experiment with adding veggies to your homemade patties; grated carrots, celery or onion add flavor, as well as nutritional value to your meal. Add whole-wheat bread crumbs to boost your whole grain intake. Avoid using unhealthy condiments to flavor your salmon patties. For example, instead of loading them up with fatty tartar sauce, make your own lemon dill sauce at home by combining nonfat Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest and chopped fresh dill, or simply top your patties with hot sauce as a low-calorie option.
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References
- Harvard School of Public Health: Fish: Friend or Foe?
- USDA National Nutrient Database: Fish, Salmon, Sockeye, Canned, Drained Solids
- USDA National Nutrient Database: Bread Drumbs, Dry, Grated, Plain
- USDA National Nutrient Database: Egg, Whole, Raw, Fresh
- McKinley Health Center: Macronutrients: The Importance of Carbohydrate, Protein, and Fat
- Linus Pauling Institute: Essential Fatty Acids
- Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamin D
- Linus Pauling Institute: Vitamin B-12
Writer Bio
Sylvie Tremblay holds a Master of Science in molecular and cellular biology and has years of experience as a cancer researcher and neuroscientist. Based in Ontario, Canada, Tremblay is an experienced journalist and blogger specializing in nutrition, fitness, lifestyle, health and biotechnology, as well as real estate, agriculture and clean tech.