Mackerel

seafood

Mackerel

9/ 10Excellent
Controversy: 5.2

Rated by 11 diets

10 approve0 caution1 avoid

How the diets react

Approves10
Disapproves1
Is Mackerel Healthy?

Yes — Mackerel is broadly considered healthy. 10 out of 11 diets approve it.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g
Calories
205kcal
Protein
19g
Carbs
0g
Fat
13g
Fiber
0g
Sugar
0g
Sodium
83mg

Diet Ratings

KetoApproved

Mackerel is carb-free with excellent protein and high omega-3 rich fat content. Perfect keto food meeting macronutrient targets and providing anti-inflammatory benefits.

VeganAvoid

Mackerel is fish and animal flesh. Explicitly excluded from vegan diet.

PaleoApproved

Fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Unprocessed, nutrient-dense, and available to Paleolithic humans in coastal regions.

MediterraneanApproved

Oily fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D. Mackerel is a traditional Mediterranean fish consumed regularly. Excellent nutritional profile aligns with diet principles.

CarnivoreApproved

Mackerel is a fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and selenium. The high fat content aligns with carnivore preference for fatty cuts. Universally approved across all carnivore approaches.

Whole30Approved

Mackerel is a whole, unprocessed fatty fish with no excluded ingredients. Explicitly compliant with Whole30.

Low-FODMAPApproved

Mackerel is an oily fish with no fermentable carbohydrates. Monash University confirms fish as low-FODMAP at all serving sizes.

DASHApproved

Excellent DASH choice. High in omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), potassium, and protein. Moderate saturated fat but cardiovascular benefits outweigh concerns. Choose Atlantic or Pacific varieties.

ZoneApproved

Fatty fish with exceptional omega-3 content and balanced protein-fat profile. Aligns perfectly with Zone anti-inflammatory principles. Dr. Sears emphasizes fatty fish as ideal Zone foods.

One of the richest sources of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids. High in selenium and B vitamins. Strongly supported across all anti-inflammatory dietary frameworks.

GLP-1 FriendlyApproved

High protein (20g per 3oz), omega-3 rich (highest among fish), moderate fat (13g mostly unsaturated). Slightly higher fat than lean white fish but omega-3 benefits justify inclusion. May cause mild satiety in sensitive patients.

Controversy Index

Score range: 110/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus5.2Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Mackerel

Keto 10/10
  • 0g net carbs
  • High protein (19g per 100g)
  • High healthy fat (13g per 100g)
  • Superior omega-3 fatty acids
Paleo 9/10
  • High omega-3 content
  • Vitamin D
  • Unprocessed seafood
  • Supports anti-inflammatory diet
Mediterranean 9/10
  • High omega-3 content
  • Vitamin D rich
  • Traditional Mediterranean fish
  • Supports cardiovascular health
Carnivore 9/10
  • High omega-3 fatty acids
  • Excellent vitamin D content
  • Fatty fish preferred in carnivore diet
  • Rich in selenium and B vitamins
Whole30 9/10
  • Whole seafood
  • No additives in plain form
  • Omega-3 rich
Low-FODMAP 9/10
  • No oligosaccharides
  • No disaccharides
  • No polyols
  • Pure protein
DASH 8/10
  • Very high omega-3 content
  • Good potassium source
  • Moderate saturated fat
  • Strong cardiovascular benefits
Zone 9/10
  • Protein: ~23g per 100g
  • Healthy fat: ~13g per 100g (omega-3 dominant)
  • Zero carbs
  • Strong anti-inflammatory properties
  • Excellent polyphenol source
  • Very high EPA/DHA omega-3s
  • Selenium and B vitamins
  • Vitamin D
  • Low mercury risk
  • high protein density
  • omega-3 rich
  • moderate fat
  • nutrient-dense
  • anti-inflammatory
Is Mackerel Healthy? Diet Ratings & Controversy Score | FoodRef.ai