Salmon contains omega-3, a type of polyunsaturated fat. "Omega-3 is essential to brain function and growth," explains Stacey Blouin, a registered dietitian and owner of Comox Valley-based Nutrition Craving.

"While polyunsaturated fats help reduce bad cholesterol in your blood, the type of omega-3 found in salmon helps to reduce triglyceride levels in the blood, further contributing to lower risk of cardiovascular disease," Blouin says. "Although more research is needed, this type of omega-3 may also be protective against cancer and help in the prevention of dementia."