Mackerel

Mackerel (Scomber scombrus) is a fish of the Scombridae family. It is also known as maccarello or lacerto. It occurs in the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea. This fish is an ancestor of the Scomber family. Mackerel is a swift swimmer and lives in deep waters. It feeds on small fish. In spring, mackerel schools approach coastal waters for propagation. The schools stay in shallow waters as near as a few hundred meters from the coastline until the beginning of summer. The fishing season for mackerel starts in April and lasts till October. It’s the time when you can see recreational fishing enthusiasts in their boats and with fishing rods in their hands who’s sometimes lucky to have a good catch. We are going to tell you what health benefits this wonderful fish has.

Useful Substances in Mackerel

• Vitamins: A, B1, В and C.
• Carbohydrates: low
• Fats: 11% per 100 g
• Omega-3 fatty acids: 2.5% per 100g
• Proteins: 20% per 100g
• Mineral salts: potassium 0.36%, 0.27% phosporus, 0.17 % chlorum, 0.15% natrium, 0.008% calcium, 0.001% iron.

High nutritional value of mackerel is mainly due to its high Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids content.

Health Benefits of Mackerel

Mackerel flesh:

• Strengthens the immune system, improves functions of organs weakened by illness and regulates metabolism.
• Reduces cancer-causing agents in cells and prevents the risk of different cancers. For example, women who eat fish regularly significantly lower the risk of breast cancer.
• Regulates hormone level.
• Prevents cardiovascular diseases, reduces blood coagulation and thus eliminates cholesterol deposits.
• Makes our blood vessels and capillaries more elastic.
• Reduces “bad” cholesterol (LDL) and lowers blood pressure.
• Improves brain activity and enhances memory.
• Eases pain of migraine, arthrosis and arthritis.

Note: Eating at least 100 g of oily fish daily promotes overall health.

Mackerel flesh is soft, tender and tasty. It is highly prized in many cuisines. Choose fresh or fast-frozen fish that preserves all useful substances. Mackerel can be cooked on a grill, fried, marinated, boiled or simmered in pizzaiola or tortiera sauces.
Check out the picture of ingredients for mackerel in pizzaiola sauce and try our recipe if you want to enjoy this gourmet fish.