In this article, we will discuss the benefits and types of macaroni fish, in addition to its harms and whether it is harmful to pregnant women. Macaroni fish (Saurida undosquamis) is considered a fish rich in many nutrients that may provide a range of health benefits. However, there is no reliable scientific information yet that explains the benefits of macaroni fish specifically. Therefore, in my Dalili Medical,, we will review the potential health benefits of eating fish in general.

What is macaroni fish?

 

Macaroni fish is a type of fish that lives in the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean. This fish is characterized by its lizard-like appearance, which is why it is known as (Lizardfish). Its length usually ranges from 10 to 30 centimeters, and it comes in several colors, as it can be brown or gray on top and creamy on the bottom. It is important to note that macaroni fish has a high nutritional value, making it a healthy choice that can contribute to enhancing the health benefits of the body.

**Recommended amounts of fish**

 

Experts recommend eating fish that contain low levels of mercury regularly as part of a healthy diet, with adults preferably eating fish two to three times a week, while children are advised to eat it once to twice a week. It is important to ensure that the fish is safe and not spoiled by smelling it, as it is fresh if it smells like the sea or is strongly salty. It is preferable to consume fish within two days of purchasing it, given that seafood spoils quickly compared to meat. It is also recommended to cook it well until its internal temperature reaches about 63 degrees Celsius, or until it becomes easy to peel with a fork.

The nutritional value of macaroni fish includes:
- Phosphorus

- Iron

- Protein

- Magnesium

- Small amounts of unsaturated fats

- Copper

- Sodium

- Dietary fiber

- Sugars

- Vitamin E

- Zinc

- Fatty acids (Omega 3)

What are the benefits of macaroni fish?

 

**Boost Brain Health**The omega-3 fatty acid content of pasta fish can contribute to supporting brain health and reducing the risk of some diseases associated with aging, such as memory loss, cognitive impairment and mental decline, in addition to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. It is worth noting that there is a study indicating that eating fish may increase the amount of gray matter in the brain, which is responsible for regulating emotions and memory.

**Boost Heart Health** Regularly eating fish can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, thanks to its fatty acid content. It may also help lower triglyceride levels in the blood and reduce blood pressure, which reduces the risk of coronary heart disease.

**Reducing the risk of depression**Eating fish can help reduce the likelihood of depression, thanks to its omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, these acids may help increase the effectiveness of some antidepressant medications.

**Benefits of Macaroni Fish for Children** Pasta is a rich source of calcium, making it a healthy food that contributes to building and developing the child's body properly.

Pasta also contains vitamins E and D, in addition to calcium and vitamin C, which helps improve the body's absorption of these nutrients.

In addition to providing energy, pasta contains carbohydrates and a small amount of sugar, which helps the body perform various daily life activities.

**Benefits of Macaroni Fish for Pregnant Women**Macaroni fish is a rich source of iodine, an essential element that contributes to the development of the fetus's brain. Iodine helps protect the fetus from problems associated with poor brain development, which may lead to difficulties in learning to read and basic skills necessary for the continuation of school life normally. In addition, macaroni fish contains fatty acids and omega 3, in addition to calcium, minerals and various vitamins, which contribute to building a healthy fetus.

**Disadvantages of Macaroni Fish**

There are some harms associated with eating macaroni fish, especially when consumed excessively. Let's review these damages in the following points:

1. **Mercury accumulation**: Eating large amounts of pasta fish may lead to the accumulation of mercury levels in the human body, which increases the risk of poisoning. However, this has not been proven in normal meals.

2. **Allergy**: People who are allergic to fish may suffer from excessive reactions when eating pasta fish. Possible allergy symptoms include:

- Itching in the body. 

- Nasal congestion. 

- Headache. 

- Difficulty breathing. 

- Indigestion. 

- Skin infections. 

- Vomiting. 

- Severe abdominal pain. 

- Nausea. 

- Bloating. 

- Diarrhea.

These symptoms usually appear within one hour of eating fish, but some people may suffer from allergic reactions just by touching or inhaling it.

Is pasta fish harmful to pregnant women?

 

Macaroni fish is rich in omega-3 acids, calcium and some minerals that contribute to strengthening the bones and body of the fetus. It also provides the pregnant mother with all the necessary nutrients she needs during pregnancy, which helps her maintain her health. The vitamins in macaroni fish contribute to enhancing the intelligence of the fetus and meeting its needs. Fish and seafood are considered beneficial foods during pregnancy, as they contain proteins, vitamins and minerals necessary for the growth of the fetus. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in the development of the brain and eyes of the fetus. However, caution should be exercised when eating fish that contain high levels of mercury, as it can negatively affect the health of the mother and the fetus together.

**How ​​to prepare fried macaroni fish**

 

1. We start by bringing the required amount of fish to be fried.

2. We open the belly of theFor fish and clean it well.

3. Remove the heads of the fish.

4. Immerse the fish in a mixture of water, lemon juice, flour, vinegar, and leave it for some time.

5. Rinse the fish well with water, then leave it to dry.

6. Prepare enough flour to cover the fish pieces.

7. Prepare a marinade consisting of: salt, cumin, dry coriander, a little hot pepper, finely chopped dill and coriander, and minced garlic, in addition to fish spices.

8. Open the fish pieces and massage them well from the inside with the marinade.

9. Cover the fish pieces well with flour.

10. In hot oil, fry the fish pieces one by one.

11. Turn the fish from time to time until it is cooked and acquires a beautiful golden color.

12. Sprinkle dill and green coriander on the surface, then serve the dish with pleasure and recovery.

### How to prepare macaroni fish in the oven

 

The macaroni fish tray with potatoes is one of the quick and easy dishes that is very popular, due to its delicious taste. It can be prepared by following the following steps:

#### Ingredients

- A kilo of macaroni fish

- A large cup of tomato juice

- A tablespoon of salt

- A quarter teaspoon of black pepper

- A tablespoon of paprika

- A quarter cup of olive oil

- Lemon juice

- A quarter teaspoon of vinegar

- Fresh parsley and coriander

- Two onions

- Five cloves of garlic

- A large tomato

- Fish spices

- Ground cardamom

Enjoy preparing this delicious recipe!

**How ​​to prepare**

First, the fish is cleaned using a sharp and thin knife, then washed well with water.

After that, the fish spices are mixed with the cardamom and chopped parsley, then vinegar, oil and tomato juice are added.

Then we cut the onion and tomato into suitable pieces, and add them to the spice mixture with lemon juice.

Cut the potatoes into thin slices until they are well cooked with the fish and the recipe is successful.

In a suitable tray, arrange the potatoes in an orderly manner, then place the macaroni fish on top.

Pour the previously prepared mixture over the fish until it is completely covered, and leave the tray for a quarter of an hour for the fish to absorb the marinade.

Turn on the oven at a medium temperature for five minutes, then put the fish tray with potatoes in the oven after it has heated, and leave it for no less than half an hour.

The fish and potatoes are tested for doneness, and when they are fully cooked and the fish turns golden, the tray is removed from the oven.

The meal is served hot with rice or bread as desired.

**How ​​to prepare a macaroni fish tray in the Sinjari style**

 

The Sinjari method is considered one of the most popular ways to cook certain types of fish, especially tuna, as it is characterized by ease of preparation and speed of implementation. Here is how to prepare it:

**Ingredients:**

- A kilo of large macaroni fish.

- Parsley and green coriander.

- A large grated onion.

- A tablespoon of minced garlic.

- A medium-sized tomato.

- Salt to taste.

- Half a tablespoon of black pepper.

- Half a tablespoon of cumin.

- Four tablespoons of olive oil.

- A tablespoon of lemon juice.

- A tablespoon of vinegar (as desired).

**How ​​to prepare**

1. Clean the fish well using a knife or scissors, then wash it under running water.

2. Gently open the belly of the fish from the lengthwise side, taking care not to divide it into two parts.

3. Cut the onion and tomato into small pieces, then collect them in a bowl.

4. Mix all the liquid ingredients with the garlic, salt and the rest of the spices until completely homogeneous.

5. Add the previously prepared mixture to the bowl with the onion, tomato, coriander and parsley, then stir the ingredients gently to interact with each other.

6. Arrange the fish in a suitable tray in an orderly manner, then distribute the prepared marinade over it until it is completely covered, and leave it for a quarter of an hour for the fish to absorb the marinade.

7. Preheat the oven before putting the fish tray in, then reduce the temperature to medium, and put the macaroni fish in the oven for no more than twenty minutes.

8. Check the fish to ensure that it is fully cooked.

9. After cooking is complete, serve the fish hot with rice, and enjoy.

**Tips for eating macaroni fish**

To get the most out of the benefits of fish, it is preferable to cook it in healthy ways and avoid adding fats. Therefore, grilling in the oven is a healthier option than frying in oil.

Some may be concerned about eating fish because of its mercury content, but most types contain very small amounts that do not affect human health. Eating it in moderation also helps avoid the accumulation of mercury in the body. However, you should be careful with some large fish such as mackerel, shark and swordfish, as they contain higher levels of mercury.

Pasta fish is an ideal choice to meet the body's needs for nutrients necessary for its healthy growth. It is important to follow healthy cooking methods for pasta fish, to ensure that the body fully benefits from all the nutrients in it.