Alaskan Smoked Salmon - A Heart Healthy Gift

By Jack Praino

The favorite smoked salmon of many is made from Alaskan salmon. This salmon is known for its distinctive color and robust flavor. In addition to being delicious it is also an extremely healthy treat which is something many do not realize. Along with being a tasty, healthy, product Alaskan salmon can also be eaten in a wide variety of ways after being smoked so that it can be enjoyed at almost any meal.

Smoked salmon has long been considered an expensive gourmet treat that many only enjoyed at certain restaurants or special occasions. As the delicacy has began to grow more popular many companies have started adding smoked salmon to their gift baskets in addition to more traditional meats, cheeses, and spreads. These gift baskets are often affordable which makes it possible for many to enjoy smoked salmon more often. Now that the smoked fish is readily available, and affordable it can be enjoyed in a variety of ways from the comfort of ones own home.

Placed at the center of a dinner table Alaskan salmon that has been smoked can be a gourmet addition to any evening meal. At lunch time the salmon can be used to replace the meat in a chicken salad or simply eaten along side a salad of spring greens. During breakfast smoked salmon is delicious when served with eggs over easy and some capers or, during brunch, on top of a bagel that has been covered with a light cream cheese. The best thing about all of these meal ideas that include salmon is that they are healthy.

Alaskan salmon is an extremely healthy food option. This is surprising to many who are fooled by the great, rich, taste of the salmon gains after being smoked. It is hard for some to believe that a food that tastes so great can actually be good for someone. Luckily in the case of this tasty fish it is correct.

The reason salmon is so healthy is because it contains a great deal of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are one of the reason the smoked salmon has such an amazingly rich flavor. In addition to giving the smoked fish a great flavor the omega-3 fatty acids also protect the heart. This can be confusing to some who are used to fats doing nothing except harm the heart.

In this case the fatty acids in omega-3 have been proven to be beneficial to heart health. Researchers have determined that omega-3 fatty acids work to thin the blood in a similar manner as aspirin. By thinning the blood the omega-3 fatty acids lower the risk of both heart attack and stroke.

In addition to helping with heart health smoked salmon is great for helping with weight loss. This makes smoked salmon a great gift for anyone that is dieting especially if the diet involves eating a lot of high protein foods. Smoked salmon is very high in protein which means it can provide a welcome change to the average protein rich diet and, because of the high protein levels, eating smoked salmon will help one feel full longer which will help avoid over eating.

For more information on Smoked Salmon Gift Baskets visit http://www.alaskasmokehouse.com