Why do many people not eat mackerel?

When you think of mackerel, you probably first think of its delicious taste and rich nutrition. But did you know that many people don't actually eat mackerel often? There are several reasons behind this.

Mackerel spoils easily, and histamine is a culprit.

Mackerel is quite delicate; it spoils very easily once it's out of the water. Did you know that when it spoils, it quickly produces histamine, a substance that's not very friendly to the human body? The longer it sits, the more histamine it produces, which can pose a threat to health if consumed. Therefore, it needs to be frozen quickly to prevent histamine production. I once bought some less-than-fresh mackerel, and afterwards, my stomach felt uncomfortable. Later, I found out it was histamine that caused the problem.

Purine Content: Moderate

Purines are a concern for many. Mackerel has a moderate purine content, making it a less than ideal choice for those who need to control their purine intake, such as gout sufferers or people with high uric acid. A friend of mine has high uric acid, and his doctor specifically advised him to limit his consumption of moderate-purine foods like mackerel.

Nuclear Wastewater Contamination Risk

Another worrying aspect of mackerel is its migratory nature. It swims between polluted and unpolluted waters, increasing the risk of contamination from nuclear wastewater. The thought of eating contaminated mackerel is terrifying; it's no joke.

Difficult to preserve, prone to allergies

The freshness of mackerel is fleeting. In the market, it's hard to guarantee that the mackerel you buy is fresh. Eating stale mackerel can trigger allergic reactions and other adverse effects, which is why many people avoid it. I remember once seeing mackerel at the fish market; although its body still had a sheen, its eyes were slightly bulging, and its gills weren't as bright red. I knew the fish wasn't fresh, so I didn't buy it.

After reading this, do you understand why many people don't eat mackerel? Actually, every food has its characteristics and precautions for consumption. Understanding these before making a choice ensures you eat healthily and with peace of mind.