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by John Staughton (BASc, BFA)last updated -
Eating fish is important for a balanced diet and mackerel fish are some of the most widely available and healthiest fish around. However, before you add mackerel to your diet, it is important to know where they come from and what health benefits and possible side effects they hold.
What is Mackerel Fish?
Mackerel fish is actually a general term that encompasses more than 30 species of fish, most of which belong to the Scombridae. In many parts of the world, mackerel fish are known as bangada. These fish are typically found near coastal areas, where they breed and feed, and their range includes both tropical and temperate regions.
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Mackerel fish are usually found in large schools, which makes them an easy target for commercial fishermen. This makes mackerel one of the most common fish on the menu, particularly in North America. Ranging from 20 cm to 200 cm, these fish have varying physical characteristics, but they offer similar flavor and a relatively aligned nutrient profile.
Nutrition Facts Fish, mackerel, saltedServing Size : Nutrient Value Water [g] 43 Energy 305 Energy [kJ] 1276 Protein [g] 18.5 Total lipid (fat) [g] 25.1 Ash [g] 13.4 Calcium, Ca [mg] 66 Iron, Fe [mg] 1.4 Magnesium, Mg [mg] 60 Phosphorus, P [mg] 254 Potassium, K [mg] 520 Sodium, Na [mg] 4450 Zinc, Zn [mg] 1.1 Copper, Cu [mg] 0.1 Selenium, Se [µg] 73.4 Thiamin [mg] 0.02 Riboflavin [mg] 0.19 Niacin [mg] 3.3 Vitamin B-6 [mg] 0.41 Folate, total [µg] 15 Folate, food [µg] 15 Folate, DFE [µg] 15 Choline, total [mg] 101.6 Vitamin B-12 [µg] 12 Vitamin A, RAE [µg] 47 Retinol [µg] 47 Vitamin A, IU [IU] 157 Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) [mg] 2.38 Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units [IU] 1006 Vitamin D (D2 + D3) [µg] 25.2 Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) [µg] 25.2 Vitamin K (phylloquinone) [µg] 7.8 Fatty acids, total saturated [g] 7.15 12:0 [g] 0.03 14:0 [g] 1.08 16:0 [g] 4.42 18:0 [g] 1.4 Fatty acids, total monounsaturated [g] 8.32 16:1 [g] 1.5 18:1 [g] 4.22 20:1 [g] 1.03 22:1 [g] 1.54 Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated [g] 6.21 18:2 [g] 0.37 18:3 [g] 0.16 18:4 [g] 0.4 20:4 [g] 0.26 20:5 n-3 (EPA) [g] 1.62 22:5 n-3 (DPA) [g] 0.39 22:6 n-3 (DHA) [g] 2.97 Cholesterol [mg] 95 Sources include : USDA [1]
Mackerel Fish Nutrition Facts
Mackerel species are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, as well as possible high levels of vitamin B12 (nearly 700% of your daily requirement). They may contain minerals like selenium, copper, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron. There can be smaller amounts of vitamin A, potassium, zinc, and sodium in it. Along with 230 calories per filet – an average of 100 grams – there are also 21 grams of protein, representing roughly 40% of your daily required intake. [2]
Due to this impressive nutrient profile and the different ways to prepare mackerel, it remains one of the most popular and readily consumed fish in the world.
Mackerel is a handsome but underrated fish. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Health Benefits of Mackerel Fish
The health benefits of mackerel fish may include improving hair health, protecting the skin, preventing age-related macular degeneration, strengthening the immune system, lowering cholesterol levels, preventing chronic disease, and boosting bone health, among others.
Skin Care
With ample amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and selenium, mackerel fish can possibly take care of all your skincare needs. These substances may act as antioxidants within the body and possibly helping reduce oxidative stress and the effects of free radicals, which are the natural byproducts of cellular metabolism. They can also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and age spots and relieve certain inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. [3]
Hair Care
There are many nutrients that are critical to hair care such as protein, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which might be found in mackerel fish. A regular dose of these nutrients in your diet will help improve the luster and look of your hair, while also strengthening the hair strands and reducing the effects of scalp conditions, such as dandruff. [4]
May Boost Immunity
Despite having a low level of vitamin C, mackerel fish are still praised for their effects on the immune system. Coenzyme Q10 is one of the unique elements in mackerel fish that is closely associated with preventing infections and strengthening the body’s defense against oxidative stress. Omega-3 fatty acids are also known to possibly reduce inflammation, which can put unnecessary strain on the immune system. [5]
May Lower Cholesterol Levels
With an impressive level of omega-3 fatty acids, mackerel fish might improve cholesterol balance in the body by lowering LDL cholesterol and increasing HDL cholesterol levels. This might reduce the amount of cholesterol that is oxidized and deposited in the arteries as plaque, so this fish is known to possibly lower your risk of atherosclerosis. [6]
May Reduce the Risk of Chronic Disease
The antioxidant effects of mackerel fish are well-studied, primarily due to the high level of selenium, which is more than 80% of your daily requirement per serving. Selenium functions as an antioxidant in the body, helping prevent cellular mutation and chronic disease by possibly neutralizing free radicals before they can damage tissues, cells, and organs. [7]
Might Improve Bone Mineral Density
There are many minerals in mackerel fish, possibly including copper, selenium, magnesium, manganese, calcium, and iron, all of which are linked to bone density. By regularly consuming this fish, you can prevent the onset of osteoporosis, keeping you feeling youthful and strong as you age. [8]
May Aid in Weight Loss
Although mackerel fish do possess a high level of calories, nearly 250 per filet, they may provide a huge amount of protein, which can help stimulate metabolism. High-protein foods are also notoriously filling, which can help prevent overeating, keeping you within your calorie limitations for the day. [9]
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Monounsaturated fatty acids, like those present in mackerel, may have been linked in research to more regulation of blood sugar and insulin resistance in the body as per a study by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. This is excellent newsfor diabetics and those at high risk of developing it, as it can keep your blood sugar levels in check. [10]
Research suggests that omega-3-rich fish like mackerel can be the best food for your eyes. It may prevent the damage done to the eyes because of diabetes, which often leads to diabetic retinopathy. Studies have also shown a connection between blindness and diabetes, as the two may walk hand in hand. [11]
