New Poll: Although B.C. Residents Love Salmon, They’re Missing Out On Optimal Heart Health Benefits

CAMPBELL RIVER, B.C., February 13, 2015 /3BL Media/ – A province-wide opinion poll conducted by the Mustel Group, on behalf of the BC Salmon Farmers Association, reveals that while 80 per cent of British Columbians feel they have at least some understanding of the term ‘heart healthy,’ less than 15 per cent are eating the recommended weekly amount of two 75g servings of oily fish (Canada’s Food Guide).

According to The Heart and Stroke Foundation, heart disease and strokes represent two of the three leading causes of death, with 9 out of 10 Canadians, having at least one risk factor.  Someone in Canada has a heart attack every 7 minutes – totalling 70,000 heart attacks each year! The recommendation to minimize your risk – eat a healthy, balanced diet of fibre-rich carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats, such as oily fish, avocados, flaxseed, nuts and seeds.

“A steady commitment to choosing the right food at least 80 per cent of time and getting the recommended levels of Omega-3 fatty acids is critical for heart disease prevention,” says Registered Dietitian Patricia Chuey.  “That doesn’t mean a permanent, unsatisfying diet. About 20-35 per cent of total daily calories should come from quality fat sources. Healthy eating should be good – nourishing, delicious and simple – and here in B.C., we are extremely fortunate to have some of the best fresh salmon in the world. Whether choosing wild-caught or B.C. farm-raised salmon, it is important to know that all salmon is a valuable source of Omega-3 fats and a lean source of protein that can help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s and certain autoimmune diseases.”

In fact, the Mustel Group poll shows that salmon is B.C.’s favourite seafood, although just 34 per cent of those who choose salmon are doing so because of it’s health properties. Freshness and cost are the two key determinants when purchasing food.

Key research findings include:

• 81 per cent have at least a “somewhat good understanding” of what a heart healthy diet is, with 42 per cent of females indicating they have a “very good understanding.”
• 73 per cent of respondents consider themselves to have a heart healthy diet at home.
• While 93 per cent of British Columbians eat seafood, only 63 per cent eat fish high in Omega-3 fatty acids at least once per week, with just over half of respondents under 35 getting at least one serving per week.
• Only 11 per cent of respondents report having more than 5 servings of fresh or frozen salmon in the past month – lower than Canada’s Food Guide recommendation of 2 per week (avg. 8 per month) for oily fish.
• 41 per cent of respondents list salmon as their favourite seafood choice. 

A recent study published by the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance found that if all Canadians ate fish at the Canada Food Guide recommended levels, approximately 5,800 deaths could be avoided every year.

About the BC Salmon Farmers Association:

Farm-raised salmon is B.C.’s highest-valued agricultural export with almost $300-million in value exported each year, contributing over $800-million annually to the provincial economy.  The BCSFA represents the province’s vibrant salmon farming industry through its members – salmon farm companies and the businesses that proudly provide services and supplies to B.C.’s salmon farmers.

For more information visit BCSalmonFarmers.ca