The effect of baking and frying on the nutritional composition of mackerel

The nutritional properties of mackerel are strongly influenced by different cooking methods that can change its nutritional contents. In this study, we investigated the effects of two types of cooking method (i.e. baking and frying) on water-soluble vitamins (B1, B2, niacin, and folic acid), fat-soluble vitamins (A and E), cholesterol, β-carotene, and minerals (K, P, Mg, Se, and Zn) and on the proximate composition of mackerel. Compared to the baked fish, contents of vitamins A and B1 and cholesterol were reduced by 56.52%, 59.93%, and 33.40% (p<0.05), respectively, in the fried fish. On the other hand, vitamin E and folic acid contents in the fried fish were significantly higher than those in the baked fish (p<0.05). Furthermore, niacin was detected only in the baked fish and β-carotene was found in neither the baked fish nor the fried fish. There was also no significant difference in moisture content between baked and fried fish samples. The fat, carbohydrate, and crude ash contents in fried fish were higher than those in baked fish; however, protein content in fried fish was about 3.73% lower than that in baked fish. Since different cooking methods have different effects on the nutrients of mackerel, nutritional value of mackerel could be enhanced by selecting the suitable cooking method.