Discussions of healthy diet and lifestyle often include recommendations to eat more fish. One of those mentioned most often is salmon, because of its numerous nutritional virtues. Salmon is one of the best natural sources of omega-3 fatty acids, thought to protect against heart attack and stroke among other serious health concerns. Further, salmon's distinctive pink pigmentation is caused by a potent antioxidant called astaxanthin. Astaxanthin's suspected health benefits are the subject of ongoing study. Salmon is also a source of vitamin D, niacin, vitamin B12 and phosphorous, as well as good-quality protein.

Cooking salmon with or without the skin is largely a question of personal preference. Once the salmon has been scaled, there is no pressing culinary reason either to use it or remove it. At most, if pan-seared, the skin will crisp and provide a pleasantly complementary texture. From the health perspective, the skin provides collagen, protein and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which are beneficial. There is a layer of fat just under the skin, the source of the omega-3s. Each cook must decide between the lowest possible fat levels, and the consumption of healthful fats.

Some reports, including those conducted by the Mayo Clinic, indicate that farmed salmon may contain elevated levels of dioxins and PCBs, both well-recognized as potent carcinogens. Salmon at the market will not usually be identified as farmed, but as a rule, Atlantic salmon is farmed and Pacific salmon is wild-caught. This makes it relatively easy to dodge the issue. Although it is not a major risk, both farmed and wild-caught salmon may also contain mercury. All of these contaminants concentrate in the salmon's fat, and therefore in the layer of fat under the skin.

Eating salmon presents clear-cut health benefits, despite the risks represented by the possible presence of mercury, dioxins and PCBs. The Mayo Clinic comes down on the side of continued consumption of fish, especially salmon, because of the known health benefits of the omega-3s it contains. Those who are especially concerned about contaminants, or those who belong to high-risk groups, such as children and pregnant or nursing women, may wish to remove the skin from their salmon just to be cautious. Otherwise, it remains a question of personal preference.