Nothing fishy about this one ya’ll, oh except the salmon, you could say that’s pretty fishy. It’s no secret that fish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have an array of health benefits such as being cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory and mood boosting. Fatty fish including salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines and herring, easily remembered by the acronym SMASH fish, are nutrient-rich, high in omega-3s, and are lower in mercury compared to bigger fish.
What is the link between fatty acids and our mood? We’re calling this the “food mood flow”.
Studies show that dietary fatty acids stimulate the production of dopamine in our brain, also known as the "happy hormone". Dopamine gives us feelings of well-being and spikes when we experience something pleasurable, hello happy salmon. Salmon also has a high level of tryptophan, an amino acid important for synthesising serotonin which also belongs to the feel good hormone family. Unlike dopamine, gut bacteria manufacture about 90 percent of the body's serotonin, positively influencing both mood and gastrointestinal health. What better reason to add this recipe to your weekly repertoire, paired here with fennel, lemon and mint to further help aid digestion.
This quick and healthy nourishing salad is not only a rich source of protein, antioxidants and minerals but also contains heart-healthy mono-unsaturated fats to aid digestion, support glowing skin and support those feel good hormones.
