Iodine is essential for many bodily functions, including thyroid function and hormone production. Iodine deficiency can be serious, so getting enough in your diet is essential.
Most people who follow a varied, balanced diet would get enough iodine, but if you're seeking to increase your intake, there are plenty of delicious, iodine-rich foods to choose from.
Table of Contents
Is Salmon High or Low in Iodine?
Like most fish, salmon is high in iodine. It's also highly nutritious, containing omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
How Much Iodine Is in Salmon?
A salmon fillet contains as much as 21% of the recommended daily iodine intake. Canned salmon has slightly less.
Cooking salmon on dry heat, such as grilling, preserves the most nutrients, and frying in oil adds unnecessary calories.
Can You Get Too Much Iodine from Salmon?
It would be very difficult, if not impossible, to get too much iodine just by eating salmon.
Is Wild Salmon Higher in Iodine Than Farmed?
Due to their diets, most wild fish contain more iodine than farmed, and the same goes for salmon.
Is Salmon Good for You?
Salmon is very good for you; half a fillet contains up to 79% of the recommended daily protein intake. Protein builds muscles and prevents lean muscle mass loss when working out.
Protein also aids weight loss, keeping you feeling full longer after eating.
Many calories in salmon come from healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids. These fats may decrease inflammation, lower blood pressure, reduce cancer risk, and improve blood flow; salmon is one of the best sources.
Salmon contains good amounts of thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, which support carbohydrate metabolism and DNA repair and creation.
B vitamins also keep your nervous system and brain healthy, preventing various cognitive issues.
Salmon is an excellent source of selenium, an antioxidant that prevents cellular oxidative damage, reducing the risk of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Like iodine, selenium is vital for a healthy thyroid.
Salmon also contains astaxanthin, which helps reduce bad cholesterol levels and increase the good. This prevents inflammation and plaque buildup in your arteries, risk factors for heart attacks and strokes.
Conclusion
Salmon is an excellent source of iodine. It's also delicious, highly nutritious, and is an excellent addition to a healthy, balanced diet.
Sources: Nutrition Data, Food Standards, MDPI Journal, National Library of Medicine, and PMC