Pacific Salmon as a cold-water fatty fish are a rich natural source of Omega-3, vitamin D, and high quality protein. They're also closely tied to Pacific Northwest culture, and history, beginning with the traditional and sustainable fishing practices of native Americans along the Pacific Northwest coastlines, and continuing today with both native sustainable salmon fishing and commercial salmon fishing.

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods including walnuts, some fruits and vegetables, and coldwater fish such as herring, mackerel, sturgeon, anchovies—and salmon. Omega-3 is functions as a protective acid in all cell membranes, and is associated with reduced heart disease and stroke by protecting the integrity of cell structures. There's even some research that suggests omega-3 helps prevent Alzheimer's and dementia. By protecting cellular membranes, Omega-3 helps to preserve skin integrity, and prevent blood clots. The catch, though, is that the consumption of omega-3s and omega-6s need to be balanced; we need both in order to benefit from either. The ratio to shoot for, experts say, is roughly 4 parts omega-3s to 1 part omega-6s (omoga-6 is in soy, sunflower, canola, peanut and corn oil). The American Heart Association recommends eating a cold water fish like Pacific Salmon at least two times a week, with a typical serving of about 3.5 ounces of cooked salmon or about 3/4 of a cup of flaked or smoked salmon.

Pacific salmon are naturally high in vitamin D. Vitamin D is closely tied to our ability to absorb and use calcium and phosphorus. There's also some research linking adequate amounts of dietary Vitmin D to preventing osteoporosis, hypertension or high blood pressure, cancer, and some autoimmune diseases. There's also recent research suggesting adequate amounts of Vitamin D are necessary for proper cognitive functions, including memory.

Finally, salmon is an excellent source of high quality protein that's low in saturated fats, and high in a number of essential amino acids. A small 100 gram serving of fresh cooked salmon provides about a third of the average adult daily protein requirements. Moreover, as the Washington state fishery commission notes, if we adhere to sustainable salmon guidelines and practices, fresh natural Pacific Salmon are safe, sustainable, healthy parts of our diet, as well as an enduring part of life in the Pacific Northwest. For suggestions about ways to incorporate Pacific salmon in your diet, think about trying traditional planked salmon, or even smoked salmon.