What fish do you think can be considered the most healthy? Nutritionists, deriving the rating of underwater inhabitants by the degree of usefulness for our body, put salmon in the first place. On the second there is a mackerel and, finally, on the third - a herring known to everyone. So familiar and ordinary, it contains a colossal set of macro- and microelements that you and I need so much every day. Today we’ll talk in more detail about such a simple and affordable fish as salted herring. Calorie content is of primary interest to us, however, we will also consider useful properties and energy value.
Place of fishing
Most of all it is caught in the Atlantic Ocean. It is not for nothing that fish is most often found in stores, the price tag of which says: “Atlantic herring, salty. Calories 260 kcal / 100 g of product. " Also, fish is widespread in the Baltic and White Seas. Catch it (albeit in smaller volumes) in dozens of places in the world. The most important commercial fish, it is caught in huge quantities, but it belongs to the number of perishable ones. Therefore, immediately after capture, it should be frozen or salted. That is why we often have salted herring on the tables. The calorie content of such a dish is very low, and the benefits to the body are simply incredible.
However, there is another reason for the special love of the Russian people for this dish. Herring is especially appreciated for its meatiness and individual taste, which is best disclosed during salting. You can cook and fry the fish, however this is already for everybody. In English ports, for example, fresh herring is fried right on the shore, after capture. The key here is precisely the freshness of the fish. If her fat has time to oxidize under the influence of moisture and light, the herring will acquire a bitter aftertaste.
Beneficial features
This is a rather oily fish, which provides its amazing taste. Where to her usual river roach or bream! However, nutritionists unanimously assure that it is a good and healthy fat, a source of essential amino acids. These substances must be in the human diet. And the easiest, as well as relatively inexpensive way to provide them with your body is salted herring. Its calorie content is low, which means that even adhering to a strict diet, you can not refuse a tasty fish. It can be bought fresh-frozen and gradually salted in small portions.
Source of vitamins and minerals
Omega-3s enter our body exclusively with food. Moreover, their significance is very difficult to overestimate. Adequate intake of them in the body ensures the development and growth of body cells. In parallel, a person notes an improvement in the condition of hair, nails and skin, and an increase in the protective properties of the immune system. In addition, brain activity improves and the risk of developing atherosclerosis is reduced. It is salted herring whose caloric content of 100 grams is about 265 kcal can be considered the optimal source. Moreover, it can decrease if the brine is made less concentrated. Salted fish is even more beneficial for the body, although it is stored less.
Our body can thank this fish not only for fatty acids. It is an excellent source of protein, vitamin A, D and B12, choline and folic acid, as well as important macro and micronutrients.
Is it worth looking for an alternative
Today it is fashionable to be slim and athletic, and nutrition plays a key role in this matter. Therefore, many women may be somewhat scared by such a figure. After all, if the herring is very tasty, stopping at 100 g is very difficult. Half of the fish for dinner will go away very easily, and this is already about 200 g, especially if it is salted herring. Calorie content per 100 grams equals 260 kcal, which, when multiplied by two, already gives a fairly significant figure.
But, on the other hand, the beloved by many salmon, eel, mackerel, sterlet contain about three times more calories, so herring can be considered quite a dietary product. But, of course, river fish, such as carp and perch, pike or bream, contain half as few calories as herring, but there are practically no useful omega-3 fatty acids in them.
Cooking methods
Of course, the calorie content of the fish will depend on how to cook it. If we consider herring meat by itself, then it contains about 165 kcal per 100 g, that is, relatively little. So it will be if you pickle a fish. This can be done using brines containing various acids and aromatic herbs. In second place (you will be surprised) - fried herring. About 185 kcal per 100 g. Of course, you can still lower it by simply putting the fish out in a frying pan, without oil.
The calorie content of smoked herring is about 220 kcal per 100 g of product. But it will be the highest if you have salted herring on the table. Calorie content per 100 g of product - from 260 to 275 kcal. Moreover, if we make the ambassador weaker, use less salt, then the calorie content will decrease to 235 kcal. Therefore, it is better to give preference to salted fish, which you can cook yourself.
It remains to note that the calorie content of herring depends on the place of catch and the season. The fattest is mined in the winter, and in the summer it will be somewhat dry. At this time, 100 g of fresh meat accounts for only 88 kcal.
The opinion of nutritionists
No doctor will recommend giving up such a healthy dish as salted herring. Calorie content and benefits of the product are completely harmonious. If you do not use complex side dishes (fried potatoes and bread), but there is herring with vegetable salads, then it can be used even for dinner. Nutritionists recommend to eat it 1-3 times a week. Knowing how many calories are in this product, you can easily calculate the portion that you can afford without harming the figure. In this case, the body will only say thank you, the skin and hair will significantly improve their condition, and you will be charged with vigor and energy.
Contraindications
Despite all the benefits, doctors sometimes restrict the use of this product, or even completely forbid it to eat. First of all, salted herring should be abandoned to people who suffer from hypertension and various gastrointestinal diseases. Those suffering from diseases of the kidneys and liver fall into the same list. However, this does not mean that the fish is completely forbidden to you. It can be boiled or baked, marinated, so consult your doctor.
A real delicacy
This is undoubtedly salted caviar. Her calorie content is moderate enough, about 222 kcal per 100 g. Compared with caviar of other fish species, this is not so much. Yes, and nobody makes her kilograms. But in fact, this is a real storehouse of useful substances. It contains lecithin and a variety of vitamins, including A, E, D, group B, phosphorus and iron. In addition, it contains a good dozen mineral substances and organic compounds that are necessary for the development and normal functioning of the body. From trace elements, it contains potassium and sulfur, sodium and calcium, magnesium and selenium, zinc and iodine. In total, a tablespoon will provide your body with a supply of natural vitamins and minerals for the whole day. In this case, the calorie content of salted herring caviar in terms of a tablespoon will be about 50 kcal. Even with a strict diet, you can afford such a variety.
The real mystery
Not all eat milk. Some people think that this is no less valuable and useful product than caviar, and they eat it with great pleasure, others send it to the bin. Let's first decide what milk is. This is the sperm of males, which contains valuable proteins and fats. They contain a lot of omega-3 fatty acids. This makes milk extremely beneficial for the heart. And glycine, which is also a lot in milk, stimulates the work of brain cells.
Dietitians say that milk is an effective immunomodulator. If you take them at the very beginning of the disease, then it either will not develop, or will pass much faster. The calorie content of salty herring milk is quite high, about 100 kcal per 100 g of product. That is why they can be used along with caviar after an illness or during intense training.
Instead of a conclusion
A simple, native and familiar to all herring is a fantastic product, useful, affordable and familiar. In the vastness of Russia herring is caught in huge quantities, so its value has never been too high. It must be included in your diet as a valuable source of Omega-3 and other beneficial substances. Calorie content can be adjusted independently, choosing the most acceptable cooking methods. For such a pleasant variety of diets, the body will only answer thanks.