EATS SHOOTS AND LEAVES

Mackerel is the new superfood

Mackerel is Ireland’s poster boy superfood. We have loads of it, it’s sustainable, tastes great and hot-wires our brain cells.

Kids will even devour this oily fish, provided you police the fillet for pesky bones first. Yes, mackerel is that super. And we all know that feeding children healthy food can be as easy as stuffing toothpaste back into its tube.

Let’s have a look at why mackerel is king of the fish counter. Fish is a stellar source of complete protein — handy for gym bunnies and growing children. But did you know that a diet rich in protein satisfies the appetite much quicker, and keeps you fuller for longer? This ultimately leads to less snacking, fewer frappuccinos, less junk food and fewer tantrums at the office vending machine.

It’s maths, innit? By increasing your sources of protein, you’ll naturally decrease your carbs without even realising. Try it and see.

Mackerel swaggers with omega-3 fatty acids, the ones lauded for brain fuel and frontal-lobe somersaults. We like omega-3s for their dedication to brain power. And crossword conundrums.

This oily fish also has impressive amounts of selenium. An important immune-boosting mineral, selenium is charged with delivering some serious free-radical ninja moves. As well as its own antioxidant behaviour, research has shown that selenium plays a part in recycling other nifty antioxidants such as vitamins C, E and glutathione. What a thrifty little chap.

So here’s a cracking recipe for what we call mack ’n’ cheese at home. My boys go bonkers for it. I make these baby quiches on a Monday evening, and leave them in the fridge for thirsty fingers throughout the week. You can change it up when you fancy. Salmon and feta? Asparagus and farmhouse cheese? Let your taste buds vote.