Catfish vs. Salmon Nutrition
Catfish and salmon both remain popular among both fishermen and consumers. They are both delicious, there is a wealth of mouth-watering recipes available online to prepare them both and they both offer specific nutrition values. The debate on which one is healthier remains a common controversy among seafood enthusiasts.
How They Were Raised Matters
Before diving into the nutritional contents of catfish vs. salmon, it’s important to note that how the fish was raised has a direct impact on everything, including their nutritional value. A farm-raised fish might be leaner than a wild-caught fish, for example. Farm-raised fish might also be exposed to more antibiotics than fish in the wild would be. It is vital that consumers understand this difference and research where the fish they are purchasing has come from to guarantee that they are getting the nutrition that they should from their seafood.
Catfish Has Double Sodium Levels
In a side by side comparison of the nutritional facts of catfish vs. salmon, catfish lost the battle when it came to sodium. Eight ounces of salmon only have approximately 90 grams of sodium while catfish have double that amount. Salmon might be healthier for individuals that are on a low sodium diet.
Protein
One of the reasons that fish is recommended is because it gives people a certain amount of protein that is good for them. When it comes to catfish vs. salmon, both offer almost the same level of protein.
Potassium
The levels of potassium in both fish are significantly different, however. Salmon provides double the potassium that catfish does at over 1,100 grams in a single eight-ounce serving. Catfish provides a little under 800 grams for the same serving size.
Catfish Are Leaner
While most people know that oily fish are crammed full of healthy omega-three fats that are amazing for the heart, they also know that fatty fish have plenty of bad fats as well. Catfish, on the other hand, are on the opposite end of the spectrum. They provide a smaller amount of heart-healthy fats, but they also provide a smaller amount of unhealthy fats as well. This leaner fish is chock full of nutritional benefits without the drawbacks that can come with oily fish.
Salmon Can Be Cancerous
According to studies conducted in the United Kingdom, the farm-raised fish are so chock full of carcinogens that anyone eating them regularly increases their risk of developing cancer. These fish should never be consumed more than once a month, if at all, according to experts. Before consuming salmon, make sure that you know it’s the origin.
Salmon Flesh Has More Cholesterol
Although the meat of salmon is packed with nutrients that are good for the heart, the same thing cannot be said about the flesh. The flesh of salmon is so full of cholesterol it is not recommended that anyone with heart problems or that is attempting to stay on a heart-healthy diet consume the skin of salmon. This does not ring true for salmon fillets, however.
When comparing catfish vs. salmon, it is important to remember that both fish have their pros and their cons. Consider what your own health needs and goals are to decide which fish will be better for you.
