Can you eat salmon skin? The health perks most people overlook

Salmon is packed with nutrients, but many people skip a part that may offer even more health benefits. Here’s what to know.

Salmon is one of the most nutritious proteins you can eat, packed with vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids that support heart health, brain function, and immunity.

Yet many people avoid the skin, sometimes because they don’t like the texture or aren’t sure it’s meant to be eaten.

However, skipping it could mean missing out on valuable nutrients. Nutrition experts say salmon skin is safe to eat and packed with healthy fats that add to the fish’s already impressive benefits. Here’s what nutritionists recommend when including it in your meals.

Along with many other nutrients in salmon, the finfish is also an excellent source of lean protein. Containing a whopping 17.3 grams in only 3 ounces, salmon is right up there with chicken as being capable of supplying your recommended daily protein intake pretty handily.  

Getting enough protein is important for optimal immune function, blood sugar control, and healthy hair, skin and nails. "Protein also helps grow and maintain muscle mass and supports tissue repair," Amy Goodson, a Texas-based nutritionist and registered dietitian at The Sports Nutrition Playbook, previously said.