Is there a health difference between wild salmon versus farmed salmon?

By: Elizabeth Somer, R.D.

Farmed salmon and other fish often contain contaminants, such as PCBs, which have been linked with cancer. Wild-caught fish is usually contaminant-free. But there are two major downsides to wild varieties: First, wild fish can be very expensive -- $15 to $20 a pound in some parts of the country. And second, even though it's healthier, it poses a major threat to the environment, because we're overfishing and depleting our oceans.

So if possible, look for wild salmon that's been labeled sustainable (which means it's been harvested in an environmentally friendly manner) as well as wild salmon caught in Alaska (where this is usually the case).

To Learn More About Sustainable Fish Varieties
Check out the Blue Ocean Institute's guide at BlueOcean.org (there's even a free app you can download to your iPhone). Or get free info from any phone by texting "FISH" followed by the name of any variety you want to know about to 30644. The Institute will text you back with recommendations.

The Nutritional Bottom Line
When it comes to salmon, if you can afford it, the wild-caught Alaskan variety, which contains the most heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, is the best nutritional choice. To save money, try canned wild salmon, which I like to make into patties. But don't worry if you can't afford wild salmon -- the farmed variety is still a good bet. Even with the contaminants, it's healthier than many other protein sources.

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