Wild Smart Salmon™

Our Smart Salmon is good for you, and even better for your baby!

Should pregnant moms be eating fish? Are all fish the same? How much is the right amount? Pregnant moms still have plenty of questions about whether eating fish is a good idea.

For an explanation of the importance of Omega 3 for expecting mothers, see:
http://www.expectantmothersguide.com/library/pittsburgh/omega-3.htm.

For an explanation of the problem of Omega 3 deficiency in expecting mothers, see:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080307133659.htm.

For the impact of Omega 3 fatty acids on children’s IQ, see:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17185324/

Here are some facts:

Some fish should be avoided.
Those that are higher up on the food chain (eat other fish) tend to have higher concentrations of mercury. But don’t be misled. Avoiding all fish because of mercury concerns may be a bigmistake. There are certain fish you should avoid but don’t give up the amazing health-promoting nutrients in fish to avoid mercury. You simply need to know which fish to avoid. See our Methyl Mercury facts for more information on mercury levels in fish.

There is something else you should know about mercury. Those fish, like sockeye salmon, that contain significant amounts of selenium, a trace mineral, appear to be a safer bet. Selenium seems to bind the mercury, rendering it harmless to humans. See the Selenium icon on this site for more information.

Old school:
Avoid all fish during pregnancy.
New school:
Pregnant moms should eat lots of fish high in Omega 3s and low in mercury.

Omega 3 oils are essential for your baby’s brain development as well as your own good health. The best choice is salmon, particularly sockeye. The health benefits of salmon, particularly sockeye, are off the charts. The Omega 3 fatty acids in sockeye, especially the DHA, are crucial for the brain development of your baby. DHA is one of the building blocks of the brain. High fat fish are the best source. In addition to Omega 3, sockeye contains the most Vitamin D you can get naturally without getting a sunburn. It also has high levels of astaxanthin, the super antioxidant. Our Smart Salmon is good for you, and even better for your baby. Make it a regular part of your diet.

Pregnant Moms dietary needs
Pregnant moms have special nutritional needs for their own health and the proper development of their baby. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, pregnant women’s nutritional needs include:

400 mcg of folic acid per day to prevent certain birth defects like spina bifida. The best source is calf’s liver. Excellent vegetable sources include asparagus, lentils and other beans, and green leafy vegetables like spinach, Romaine lettuce, and greens (turnip, collard and mustard).

1000 mg per day of calcium to promote bone development (up to 1300 for younger pregnant moms). The best source of calcium is milk products like low-fat yogurt and low-fat mozzarella cheese. Other great sources include green leafy vegetables like spinach and other greens, as well as sesame seeds.

30 mg per day of iron. Excellent sources include spinach, tofu, lentils and other beans, and sesame seeds.

mg = milligrams
mcg = micrograms

Omega 3 and seafood
One often overlooked category is Omega 3. Recent studies have shown that moms who eat fish may be boosting the IQ of their babies. Moms concerned about mercury who are avoiding fish for their baby’s health should be eating the right kind of fish, like sockeye salmon, two or three times weekly to help promote their baby’s brain development. Sockeye is good for mom and good for her baby.

Menu planning

In general, pregnant moms should eat lots of fruits and vegetables. We recommend Smart Salmon with Australian ginger sauce. Ginger is a good natural remedy for pregnancy-related heartburn. You should probably avoid the Kenyan Coffee BBQ sauce because caffeine can relax the muscles at the top of your stomach, potentially leading to acid reflux. For your folic acid and calcium, try the following salad with your Smart Salmon.