Tip of the Day:

Salmon: The Heart-Healthy Fish

Salmon has long been a popular dinner, both in restaurants and at home. But not until the past few years did people find out just how good salmon is for them. In addition to being a great source of protein, salmon is rich in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids — these are "essential" fatty acids, meaning that your body doesn't produce them on its own, so you must get them from food.

The omega-3s in salmon and other fatty fish, such as herring, mackerel, and trout, have been shown to lower the risk of heart disease, facilitate memory and brain development, improve insulin response, aid in the maintenance of healthy, young-looking skin, and reduce inflammation and the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

In addition to being an excellent source of omega-3s and protein, salmon provides you with vitamin D, selenium, niacin, vitamin B12, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin B6. Canned salmon is also a good source of calcium because of the small, edible bones it includes. Just monitor the amount of smoked salmon you eat — because of its high sodium content, it can undo much of the good salmon does for you!