Health Benefits And Nutritional Value of Sushi

Health Benefits And Nutritional Value of Sushi

Nutritional Value of Sushi

Since sushi is a “dish” rather than a single ingredient, it is important to consider all of the parts when talking about nutrition. Nori (the seaweed wrapper) is very high in iodine, while ginger and wasabi contain various antioxidant compounds, as well as vitamins and minerals. The main part of the sushi, seafood, contains high levels of omega-3s, as well as selenium. Different types of fish contain different vitamins and minerals as well. Soy sauce may be a delicious dip for your sushi roll, but it contains very high levels of sodium.

7 Health Benefits of Sushi

1.Heart Health

 Perhaps the most sought after benefit of sushi for most people is the easy and tasty access to concentrated forms of omega-3 fatty acids. This “good” form of cholesterol helps to balance out and even eliminate “bad” cholesterol in the body, helping to prevent clogged arteries and a bevy of related health concerns, including atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. Furthermore, omega-3 has been directly linked to lowering blood pressure, which increases oxygenation to important organ systems and tissues, thereby increasing the body’s metabolism. In terms of the best types of sushi for omega-3, lake trout, herring, tuna, and salmon are particularly high in this valuable fatty acid.

2.Hormone Regulation

Although people often eat sushi for the fish, it’s important to remember that there are other components in sushi, including the seaweed wrap that comes around the majority of sushi varieties. In Japanese, it is called nori, and is very high in iodine, which is an essential, but often overlooked, element of our health. Iodine is vital for the regulation and control of our endocrine system, most notably our thyroid gland. With proper levels of iodine in your system (but not too much!), you can ensure that your hormones are properly balanced in your body, thereby optimizing many of your most important reactions and metabolic activities.

3.Metabolic Boost

Fish is a high-quality protein that is low in calories and fat. Protein, especially healthy forms like fish, can significantly boost our body’s ability to function regularly, create new cells, metabolize energy efficiently, and keep us strong and healthy. Although many vegetarians choose not to eat meat, sushi is a favorite amongst pescatarians, since it provides a much-needed protein, rather than traditional vegetarian dishes.

4.Cancer Prevention

As mentioned above, sushi is about more than fish. The common elements of wasabi and ginger both have anti-carcinogenic and anti-mutagenic properties due to antioxidant compounds. These antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals before they can cause healthy cells to mutate into cancer cells. Furthermore, many varieties of fish are rich in selenium, a trace mineral that shows serious anti-cancer properties in many research studies. Nori, the seaweed wrapper, also has various phytonutrients that act as antioxidants, making sushi a great choice to boost your cancer defenses!

5.Digestive and Gastrointestinal Health

Green tea is always an option at any sushi restaurant “worth its wasabi”, and the tannins in green tea have been closely linked to improved digestion and the health of your colon. Furthermore, although soy sauce is very high in sodium (which is bad news for people with high blood pressure), it contains high levels of iron and protein, along with protecting your colon from dangerous bacteria that can sometimes get into your food.

6.Immune System

There are a few elements of sushi that can boost your immune system, primarily the antibacterial properties of wasabi, which can come in particularly handy when eating raw fish, as there can occasionally be issues with freshness and bacteria, depending on where and when you are eating your sushi rolls. Ginger also acts as an antibacterial and antiviral agent, so make sure to add your condiments before popping your next California roll!

7.Circulation

The high levels of iron found in fish and soy sauce mean that your red blood cell count can get a boost from this Japanese delicacy. Iron is an integral part in the production of RBCs, which increases the circulation to all parts of the body, stimulates hair growth, improves the tone and color of your skin, improves the metabolism, and speeds the healing process of tissues and cells.