Health Benefits of Sushi

healthydailymail.com Some of the health benefits of sushi include its ability to lower blood pressure, decrease levels of “bad” cholesterol in the body, improve hormone balance, increase the metabolism, prevent certain cancers, aid in the health of your gastrointestinal system, boost circulation, build strong bones, and improve the strength of your immune system.

No matter where you are in the world, or what your personal preferences are for food, there is a good chance that you have eaten, seen, or been intrigued by sushi. This staple of Japanese cuisine has been around for nearly 700 years, although what we think of as sushi in the modern world only came around approximately 200 years ago. When discussing sushi, particularly its health benefits, it is important to remember that sushi comes in endless varieties, so the health benefits will similarly shift depending on what rolls you choose. Primarily, however, sushi will always contain rice, and will almost always be soaked in rice vinegar, which makes the rice stick together.

Beyond that, the most common elements are raw fish (sardines, mackerel, salmon, and tuna are the most common in Japanese sushi), but there are also cooked elements in some other sushi varieties. Various vegetables, both pickled and un-pickled, often accompany the fish and the rice roll (known as maki) will then be wrapped in seaweed (nori). These basic elements change dramatically, depending on the region of the world, the modernity of the sushi restaurant/chef, and personal preference. The most common side dishes for sushi, ginger, wasabi, soy sauce, and green tea, also add their own unique health benefits to this internationally beloved dish.

 The western world has been in a recent love affair with sushi, particularly since the recent health crazy after omega-3s, fatty acids that are actually beneficial and essential for human health. Omega-3s are found in very high quantities in certain types of fish, including many of the most common and delicious varieties included in traditional sushi. That being said, sushi doesn’t have to contain fish at all. many vegetarian rolls can be wonderfully healthy options, and other seafood like shrimp, eel, and scallops are also popular choices. Finally, depending on certain spicy sauces (made of mayonnaise) and tempura rolls may be delicious, but they also contain high levels of calories and fats. If you want the purest and healthiest form of sushi, stick with the traditional favorites, and always eat in moderation!