Mahi mahi, also known as dolphinfish or dorado, is a healthy addition to any diet. The fish is usually found in subtropical waters and is popular on many seafood menus. You can also find mahi mahi filets and steaks, fresh or frozen, in some supermarkets. Choose mahi mahi as a source of lean protein and to provide you with multiple important nutrients.
Protein
Mahi mahi provides 20 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving. Protein is an essential macronutrient that your body needs in large quantities to support muscle function, growth and health. The protein in mahi mahi is considered complete, meaning that it provides all the essential amino acids your body cannot produce on its own. This serving also provides just 93 calories and 1 gram of fat, none of which is the unhealthy saturated variety. Mahi mahi is not a significant source of omega-3 fatty acids, however. Choosing mahi mahi over higher calorie and fattier protein sources such as beef, pork, lamb or dark-meat chicken can help you manage your cholesterol and your weight.
Nutrients
A 3-ounce serving of mahi mahi is a source of all eight B vitamins. In particular, it provides 0.6 microgram of vitamin B-12, or 10 percent of the daily value based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Vitamin B-12 helps with nerve cell function, red blood cell function, mood regulation and energy. The serving also offers 0.4 microgram of vitamin B-6, or 20 percent of the daily value. Vitamin B-6 also deals with nerve cell function, as well as brain development and hormone production. Additionally, a 3-ounce serving of mahi mahi provides you with 6.3 milligrams of niacin, or 32 percent of the daily value. Niacin helps with energy and hormone production. With 453 milligrams of potassium, mahi mahi is a very good source of this mineral that helps control fluid and minerals in your body, thus regulating blood pressure, digestion and energy levels. Mahi mahi also offers 40 micrograms of the trace mineral selenium, which acts as a free radical-fighting antioxidant.
Freshness
Purchase fresh mahi mahi from a reputable fishmonger. Look for filets with no fishy odor and, if the whole fish is available, look for clear, bright eyes. The meat of mahi mahi should be firm to the touch and pink or light beige. Darker cuts will have a stronger flavor. If you do not plan to use fresh mahi mahi within two days of purchase, wrap and freeze the filets to preserve freshness.