Seafood often comes up as a top choice when considering which foods to include in a healthy diet. But exploring how to incorporate fish into your lifestyle can be an intimidating task when considering how many options there are. Several species of wild-caught Alaskan fish stand out for their nutritional value and sustainability, but even then, you may still be asking: Which fish is healthiest?
Consider this your guide for all things healthy, and wild-caught. Learn about the top five healthiest fish from Alaska and how these cold water varieties of fish can benefit both your health and the environment.
Which Fish Should You Eat?
Each variety of fish boasts its own unique set of health benefits, and have distinct flavor profiles. Choosing a favorite to use in your regular diet comes down to what you’re looking for when you consider your personal health — do you want a leaner, lower-calorie option? Do you want a fish that will most positively impact your environment? Do you want to increase your protein intake?
Consider adding these species to your diet:
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Alaskan Salmon: Wild Alaskan salmon tops the list when it comes to some of the healthiest fish you can eat. Coho and sockeye salmon are notable choices among the salmon family due to their omega-3 fatty acids and abundance of antioxidants.
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Pacific Cod: Pacific cod is one of the lowest calorie fish options from Alaska. It’s a lean source of protein that’s mild in flavor, making it suitable for a variety of health-conscious, tasty dishes.
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Wild Alaska Pollock: Known for its lean nutritional profile, Wild Alaska Pollock is a protein that anyone can include in everyday meals. Its low mercury content aligns well with health guidelines regarding more vulnerable groups, such as children and pregnant women, so it’s safe to eat on a regular basis.
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Rockfish: Rockfish, and its many varieties, provides a balance of protein, potassium, and vitamin D. These nutrients make it one of the best foods you can eat in terms of nutrition. Rockfish also happens to be a very flavorful addition to any meal.
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Sablefish: This fish stands out as one of the healthiest white fish to eat, offering omega-3 fatty acids and a uniquely buttery flavor.
Lowest Calorie Fish
When it comes to lean fish, Pacific cod and Wild Alaska Pollock are among the best choices. These species are low in fat and calories, making them ideal for a calorie-restricted diet that still keeps you full and satisfied. Pacific cod also provides a substantial level of protein, making it the frontrunner in this category.
Healthiest White Fish
Sablefish, also known as black cod, takes the crown as the one of the healthiest white fish options in Alaska due to its omega-3 fatty acid content and decadent flavor. It’s an incredibly versatile fish that fits well into various culinary styles, making sablefish something of an unsung hero of the diet. Most people looking to eat healthier often struggle with finding something packed with nutrients that also tastes good — and with sablefish, you can have it all.
Most Sustainable Fish
When considering the best fish for the environment, Alaskan wild-caught salmon, sablefish, and rockfish are some of the best choices you can make. They are all harvested from well-managed fisheries in Alaska. The Alaska fishing industry is the gold standard for sustainability.
Best Fish for Protein
The fish highest in protein would be coho salmon — coho salmon offers a high amount of protein, which is great if you are looking to use your diet to supplement any muscle-building or repair activities.
Omega-3s in Fish
Both wild-caught salmon and sablefish are known as types of fish with the most omega-3s compared to other species. Beyond supporting heart health, these fatty acids may have the potential to treat a range of inflammatory conditions.
Mercury Content in Fish: Safety First
Anyone looking to switch up their diet and incorporate more seafood into it may have a concern regarding the mercury content in fish. Fish like salmon and Wild Alaska Pollock have much lower mercury levels than other white fish like sablefish or Pacific cod, making them safer choices for anyone concerned about overconsumption of mercury. However, it’s wise to vary your fish choices and be aware of consumption guidelines, especially for vulnerable groups.
Where to Buy Healthy Seafood
Seafood from Wild Alaskan Company is always fresh-frozen quickly after being caught. This preserves the flavor, quality, and nutrition in fish while it’s at the peak of freshness. Make it easy to add healthy, wild-caught seafood to your diet by sourcing your seafood online from Wild Alaskan Company. Choose your seafood box today.
