Fish species vary, each with its own unique characteristics and features. In this context, we will review mackerel and its types in greater detail, hoping that this will be a comprehensive reference for the most important information related to it, in addition to clarifying the health benefits of eating it and the potential risks resulting from its consumption. All of this and more will be reviewed in the following lines of my  Dalili Medical

What are the types of mackerel?

 

There are many types of mackerel that can be eaten, the most prominent of which are the following:

- Atlantic mackerel

- King mackerel

- Japanese Spanish mackerel

- Spanish mackerel

- Blue mackerel

- Indian mackerel

- Australian spotted mackerel

: Is mackerel safe for human consumption?

 

A: Yes, mackerel is safe for human consumption if purchased from reliable and fresh sources. It is preferable to choose high-quality mackerel and avoid eating it if it is old or not fresh.

: Does mackerel contain high levels of mercury?

 

A: Yes, mackerel may contain moderate levels of mercury. It is recommended to eat it in moderation according to health guidelines, especially for pregnant women and young children.

: What is the correct way to store mackerel?

 

A: Mackerel should be stored at a low temperature of 0-4 degrees Celsius. It is preferable to freeze it if it is not consumed within two days of purchase. It is recommended to store it in tightly sealed bags to maintain its freshness and quality.

**How ​​to clean mackerel**

 

1. We start by washing the fish well under water.

2. We cut off the head and tail, then put the fish on its side and make a longitudinal slit in the back, then remove the back chain while fixing the body of the fish.

3. We get rid of the internal organs, then wash the fish with running water to get rid of the blood. (If there is a lot of blood, this indicates an unhealthy way to store the fish.)

4. To get rid of the fish's odor, it can be soaked in a bowl containing salt and lemon; squeeze the lemon and add it with its peel to the bowl for half an hour.

What is the appropriate amount of mackerel to eat?

 

Eating mackerel regularly is beneficial to the health of the body, so it is recommended to include it in balanced amounts within a healthy diet. According to the recommendations of the American Heart Association, it is preferable to eat two meals of fatty fish per week, so that each meal contains 3.5 ounces of these fish, including mackerel and other types such as salmon, tuna and sardines.

It is important to note that the appropriate amount of mackerel may vary from person to person based on factors such as age, gender, weight, general health condition and daily activity level. There is no specific limit for the maximum amount of mackerel, but it is recommended to avoid overeating it and to be careful to diversify protein sources from fatty fish and other beneficial foods.

It is also preferable to consult a doctor if you suffer from chronic health conditions or take certain medications before introducing mackerel regularly into your diet.

**Main Characteristics of Mackerel**

Mackerel has a number of unique characteristics that set it apart from other species. Here are some of these characteristics:

**Size and Shape:** Mackerel ranges in length from 25 to 35 cm, and can weigh up to about 2 kg. It is characterized by its tapered and elegant body, its prominent tail, and its long side fins.

**Color and Pattern:** The body of the mackerel is characterized by its bright and harmonious colors, as its back is dark blue, while the sides are shiny silver with transverse black lines.

**Speed ​​and Movement:** Mackerel is considered one of the fastest fish, as it can swim at speeds of up to 60 km per hour.

**Food and Nutrition:** Mackerel is classified as a carnivorous animal, as it feeds mainly on small fish, squid, and crustaceans, making it an important part of the food chain and contributing to the balance of the marine ecosystem.

**Nutritional value of mackerel**

Mackerel is considered a rich source of many nutrients that are beneficial to health, such as omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Here is a breakdown of the nutritional value of mackerel per 100 grams:

- **Calories:** 305 calories

- **Proteins:** 18.5 grams

- **Fat:** 25 grams

- **Cholesterol:** 75 mg

- **Sodium:** 100 mg

- **Potassium:** 360 mg

- **Calcium:** 12 mg

- **Iron:** 1.1 mg

- **Vitamin A:** 1100 IU

- **Vitamin D:** 10 IU

- **Vitamin E:** 2.8 mg

- **Vitamin B1 (Thiamine):** 0.1 mg

- **Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin):** 0.3 mg

- **Vitamin B3 (Niacin):** 6.0 mg

- **Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine):** 0.4 mg

- **Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin):** 9.6 mcg

Mackerel is an excellent choice to boost your diet thanks to its high nutritional value.

Mackerel is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health, as well as for the brain, eyes, respiratory system, and digestive system. Mackerel can be included in a healthy and balanced diet, as it can be prepared in a variety of ways such as grilling, baking, frying, or smoking.

**Benefits of Mackerel**

Eating mackerel has become increasingly popular, due to its range of nutrients and properties essential for human health. Studies have shown that eating two servings of fatty fish such as mackerel per week can provide many health benefits, including:

**Promoting heart health**Eating fatty fish such as mackerel contributes to promoting heart health, thanks to its content of omega-3 fatty acids, which are considered healthy fats. These acids help lower bad cholesterol levels in the body and relieve blood pressure, which reduces the risk of various heart diseases. They also enhance blood flow.It helps reduce the accumulation of fat in the arteries of the heart.

**Reduces the risk of Alzheimer's disease** Some studies have shown that eating adequate amounts of seafood may help reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. This is due to the fact that these foods contain certain types of omega-3, which enhance cognitive functions and improve memory in people with this disease.

**Enhances bone strength** Mackerel is a rich source of vitamin D, which contributes to enhancing calcium and phosphorus metabolism when consumed in sufficient quantities, which supports the growth of stronger bones. One study conducted on a group of postmenopausal women showed that low levels of vitamin D in their bodies increased their likelihood of bone density loss, weakness and fractures.

**Helps in weight loss** Fish in general is a rich source of proteins and fats, which are essential nutrients that help curb hunger and reduce daily calories consumed, leading to weight loss in the long term. One study showed that foods rich in fat and protein, such as mackerel, reduce levels of the hormone ghrelin, which is responsible for feeling hungry in the body. Therefore, eating mackerel helps reduce the feeling of hunger and limits the amount of calories consumed.

**Benefits of mackerel for pregnant women**

Despite some potential risks, mackerel offers many health benefits, especially for pregnant women.

This type of fish is characterized by its rich composition of essential vitamins and minerals.

It is recommended to eat fish of various types at a rate of once a week.

Mackerel helps prevent Alzheimer's disease and skin aging, and enhances brain function and strengthens memory.

In addition, it contributes to strengthening the immune system, which reduces the risk of disease.

It also helps regulate metabolism, which reduces the likelihood of infection, especially arthritis.

It is also a rich source of high-quality protein.

It contributes to protection against various types of cancer, as it prevents toxins from entering the body and limits the effect of free radicals that may cause cancer.

It helps to enhance hair health, increase its strength and shine, and protects the scalp from dandruff, thanks to its content of essential minerals such as iron, zinc and protein.

It also contributes to lowering blood pressure and maintaining heart health from diseases, thanks to the presence of omega-3 fatty acids. It also helps reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and blood vessel diseases, as it works to lower harmful cholesterol levels in the blood.

In addition, it is rich in vitamin D and vitamin B

**Benefits of mackerel during the first three months of pregnancy**

 

It is recommended to eat fish twice a week during the first months of pregnancy, with the need to cook it well.

These foods provide important health benefits for the mother and her fetus, the most prominent of which is reducing the risk of premature birth. They also help maintain the mother's normal weight and avoid unwanted gain during pregnancy, which contributes to ensuring the birth of a child with a healthy weight.

These foods enhance the protection of the mother and fetus from heart disease, and work to strengthen their immunity. In addition, they play a role in reducing the risk of the child developing autism and asthma.

It also helps prevent high blood pressure and various types of diabetes, due to its abundant amounts of vitamin D and vitamin C.

In addition, it contributes to reducing the chances of developing Alzheimer's disease and increasing cognitive intelligence in newborns, which enhances their overall health.

Mothers who consume fish two to three times a week have children with IQs that are about 2.8 higher than children who do not eat fish during pregnancy.

**Benefits of mackerel in weight loss**

Many people wonder if mackerel helps in losing weight, and here we review the benefits of this type of fish:

Mackerel is rich in many beneficial nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, in addition to a group of essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12 and selenium. Selenium reduces inflammation in the body, which contributes to improving the metabolism process in people seeking to lose weight.

Eating mackerel also helps in increasing muscle mass in the body, which enhances the effectiveness of weight loss programs.

Many people prefer to eat mackerel in various ways, whether grilled or fried.

Moreover, mackerel contains low calories, allowing you to eat it freely without worrying about calories.

**Benefits of mackerel for men**

Mackerel has many health benefits that are of particular interest to men. Here are some of these benefits:

Mackerel is considered a fish rich in oils, as it contains a high percentage of omega-3 acids. Studies have shown that men's consumption of mackerel contributes to enhancing their mental health, reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease. The selenium found in this fish also plays an important role in supporting brain health.

Mackerel also helps lower cholesterol levels in men. A study that included about two thousand men showed that those who eat mackerel regularly every week have lower levels of harmful cholesterol.

Furthermore, research suggests that eating mackerel can help protect against mental illness, thanks to its omega-3 content. Regular consumption of this fish may reduce the risk of depression and anxiety. A study conducted on a group of men showed that their serotonin levels were lower as a result of eating mackerel, as this hormone plays a role in regulating mood.

Omega amounts contribute3 found in fish in protection against prostate cancer, as people who eat mackerel show a reduced risk of developing this type of cancer

**Benefits of mackerel for sex**Many people believe that eating fish can improve sexual performance. In this paragraph, we will review whether this belief is true by exploring the benefits of mackerel for sex.

Many studies indicate that including fish in the diet, and eating it once a week, can restore vitality to married life and increase fertility.

Although studies have not determined a clear reason for these results, it has been noted that couples who eat mackerel regularly enjoy high levels of fertility, which increases the chances of having children.

Moreover, fish, including mackerel, contain multiple reproductive benefits, and may also contribute to increased sexual frequency.

**What are the best ways to prepare mackerel?**

 

Mackerel can be prepared in a variety of ways, and the choice depends on personal preferences and nutritional needs. Here are some common ways to prepare mackerel:

### Methods of preparing mackerel

#### How to prepare mackerel in the oven

**Preparation time:** 60 minutes

**Number of people:** 4 people

**Ingredients:**

- 1 kilogram of cleaned mackerel.

- 2 tablespoons of minced garlic.

- Half a cup of lemon juice.

- A quarter cup of chopped parsley.

- A quarter cup of chopped green coriander.

- A teaspoon of fish spices.

- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.

- Salt (as desired).

- Cumin (as desired).

- Chili pepper (optional).

**How ​​to prepare**We start by placing the garlic, parsley, coriander, and lemon juice in a bowl, then mix the ingredients well until they are combined.

After that, add the salt, cumin, spices, and chili pepper, and stir the ingredients again.

We massage the fish with the marinade from the inside and outside, then leave it to soak in the marinade for an hour.

Place the fish in an oiled tray.

Then put the tray in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 25 minutes or until the fish is cooked.

Serve the fish in a serving dish next to the fish rice, and it is preferable to serve it hot.

**Fried Mackerel**

**Preparation time:** 30 minutes

**Number of people:** 3 people

**Ingredients:**

- 1 kg of mackerel, cleaned inside and out

- Half a cup of flour

- 6 cloves of garlic, minced

- Half a cup of lemon juice

- A tomato, grated

- Half a teaspoon of curry

- Half a teaspoon of turmeric

- Salt and cumin (as desired)

- Chili pepper (optional)

- Oil for frying

**How ​​to prepare**

 

1. In a bowl, mix the garlic, salt, cumin, chili pepper, lemon juice, and tomato, then knead the ingredients by hand until completely combined.

2. Season the fish with the mixture inside and out, then put it in the refrigerator for an hour to absorb the marinade.

3. In another bowl, mix the flour with the salt, chili pepper, cumin, curry, and turmeric, and stir well.

4. Dip the fish in the flour mixture from all sides until completely covered, making sure to remove excess flour.

5. Fry the fish in a generous amount of hot oil, turning it over to the other side after the first side is cooked.

6. Place the fried fish on kitchen paper to absorb excess oil.

7. Serve the fish on a plate with white rice and salad, preferably hot.

**Smoked Mackerel**

**Preparation time:** 30 minutes

**Number of people:** 2 people

**Ingredients:**

- Half a kilogram of smoked mackerel

- A quarter kilogram of pasta

- Two tablespoons of olive oil

- A quarter cup of grape vinegar

- A stick of chopped green onions

- Half a teaspoon of hot pepper

- Salt (as desired)

- A third of a cup of raisins

- Boiling water (as needed)

- A quarter teaspoon of black pepper

**How ​​to prepare**

We start by boiling the pasta in boiling water for 7 minutes, then turn off the heat and leave it in the water.

In a pan on the stove, put the olive oil, then add the green onions, raisins and hot pepper, and stir the ingredients well.

We remove the skin of the mackerel, then add it to the pan while continuing to stir, and add the grape vinegar.

Then, add the boiled pasta with a quarter cup of boiling water to the mackerel sauce, and stir the ingredients together until combined.

Serve the smoked mackerel with the pasta in a serving dish, garnish with green onions, and serve hot

**How ​​to prepare tuna from mackerel**

**Preparation time:**

90 minutes.

**Number of people:**

6 people.

**Ingredients:**

- 2 kilograms of cleaned large mackerel.

- 1 cup of water.

- 1 cup of white vinegar.

- 1.5 cups of vegetable oil.

- 1 tablespoon of salt.

- 1 hot red pepper.

- 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.

- 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper.

**How ​​to prepare**

 

1. We start by cutting the fish into thick rings, then leave them aside.

2. In a pot over medium heat, add water with half a cup of vinegar, a cup of olive oil, salt, lemon juice, and black pepper. Stir the ingredients until combined, then leave the mixture on the heat until it starts to boil.

3. After that, add the fish and let it boil, then reduce the heat to low, and leave the fish in the mixture for an hour.

4. Drain the fish from the water while keeping the boiling water, then leave it to cool completely before removing the outer shell.

5. Place the fish and hot pepper in a tightly sealed glass container, then fill a third of the container with vinegar, add the boiling water, then continue adding oil until the container is full.

6. Cover the mouth of the container with a nylon bag, then close it tightly, and shake it a little until the liquids mix.

7. Place the container in the refrigerator for 3 days, and the mackerel tuna is ready to serve.

**Harms of mackerel for pregnant women**

 

Mackerel is generally considered a good food choice, but it is best to avoid it.By pregnant and lactating women. Eating it may lead to health complications that affect both the mother and the fetus.

Mackerel contains high levels of mercury, which poses a great risk to the health of the mother and the fetus. Mercury is a toxic substance that negatively affects both, as it can hinder the growth of the fetus, especially with regard to the development of its nervous system, due to the presence of dioxane compounds.

In addition, mackerel contains high levels of sodium, which may lead to high blood pressure in pregnant women, which is undesirable during pregnancy and should be avoided as much as possible. High blood pressure may also negatively affect the growth of the fetus's head.

In addition, eating mackerel may affect the mother's ability to think and remember. It is also important to avoid eating raw mackerel, as some people prefer to eat it in sushi or tuna salads. Therefore, it is advisable not to eat uncooked mackerel due to its potential negative effects on the health of the mother and the fetus, as eating raw fish may expose the pregnant woman to the risk of diseases.

Eating raw mackerel can negatively affect the growth of the fetus's head, and it may also affect the mother's ability to think and see, in addition to its effect on memory.

Therefore, it is necessary to avoid eating uncooked mackerel, especially since some people prefer to eat it in sushi or tuna salads.

Eating raw mackerel may expose a person to listeria bacteria, which is considered a dangerous type and may lead to loss of the fetus or miscarriage.

Therefore, it is recommended to cook it well at a temperature of 150 degrees Celsius.

It should also be emphasized the importance of cooking mackerel to ensure that it is free of any bacteria or viruses that may harm the health of the body.

Therefore, mackerel should be eaten cooked and not raw to ensure the health of the pregnant woman.

**Mackerel Harm**

Mackerel is a nutrient-rich fish with many health benefits, but there are some health points that should be taken into account when consuming it:

1. **High mercury**: Some types of mackerel contain high levels of mercury, which may be harmful, especially for pregnant women, young children, and breastfeeding women. Therefore, it is recommended to reduce the amounts consumed of some types such as Spanish mackerel.

2. **Sodium**: Pickled or smoked mackerel contains large amounts of sodium, which may be unhealthy for people with high blood pressure. Therefore, it is preferable to read the food label when buying this type of fish to avoid excessive sodium intake and its risks.

3. **Fish allergy**: Eating fish may cause allergies for some individuals, as symptoms include irritation and itching in the mouth and throat. These symptoms may appear immediately after eating fish, and may be followed by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.

**Important Tips for Preparing Mackerel**

 

Here are some basic tips for preparing mackerel perfectly:

1. Make sure to clean the mackerel well, removing the entrails and scales before starting the cooking process.

2. It is preferable to cook mackerel over medium heat to avoid burning or drying it out.

3. Use a variety of spices, seasonings and herbs to season the mackerel, which gives it a delicious flavor.

4. It is advisable to avoid completely frying the mackerel to maintain its high nutritional value.

5. Make sure that the mackerel is fully cooked before eating it.

**Tips for Eating Mackerel During Pregnancy**

 

Pregnant women are advised to eat mackerel once a week, especially in the first months of pregnancy.

As for the last months, it is best to avoid eating it to ensure the safety of the pregnancy.

Mackerel should be eaten cooked and not raw, as it contains bacteria and fungi that may harm the health of the mother and her fetus.

Fish should be cooked thoroughly until it changes color completely and becomes cooked through, preferably at a cooking temperature of 63°C. It is best to eat fresh fish and avoid frozen fish, and use separate knives and tools to cut it, to preserve the safety of other foods.