The Risks and Health Benefits of Eating Sushi

Even though it is a Japanese food and it is present in their gastronomy for centuries, in the last years sushi became more and more popular around the world. Besides its variety of flavors and colors, sushi is also appreciated for its nutritious value, and it is known as a healthy food. However, there are also some risks for your health that should not be ignored when it comes to sushi. But let’s start in a positive manner.

sushi risks and benefits

Contents

Benefits

  • Omega 3-fatty acids

Sushi often contains salmon. Salmon is a great source of omega 3-fatty acids. How do these fatty acids action in your body? They fight against the damage caused by free radicals, and they have anti-inflammatory proprieties. The most important aspect is that they lower the level of elevated triglycerides (blood fat), protecting you from heart diseases. Scientific research proved that omega 3-fatty acids can improve the efficiency of some medical treatments, such as drugs used for depression and rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, omega-3 fatty acids have a role in the proper functioning of the brain. A regular consumption of these fatty acids may protect you from memory loss and diseases such as dementia. Other great sources of omega 3-fatty acids in sushi are tuna, herring, and mackerel.

  • Vitamins and Minerals 

An essential part of sushi is the ‘wrapping’.  This green sea vegetable named nori, like other parts of sushi, is rich in vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B12, vitamin K. Moreover, it has a high amount of dietary fiber. Taking all these into consideration, it can be said that nori has a great impact on your health. This sea vegetable can reduce the risk of heart diseases, the level of cholesterol, and it has anti-inflammatory proprieties. Being a source of vitamin K, nori is known as a natural anticoagulant. Not to mention that all those vitamins and minerals contribute to beautiful skin, strong nails and hair, and promote the proper functioning of your immune system.

  • Antibacterial proprieties

Sushi can strengthen your immune system. How is that possible? Well, wasabi, one of the most important herbs from the Japanese gastronomy, has great antibacterial proprieties. Another condiment with similar proprieties used in sushi is ginger, which acts as an antiviral and antibacterial agent.

Risks

  • Bacteria, parasites, and viruses

You have to be aware of the fact that uncooked fish can carry bacteria, parasites, and viruses. An example of parasites that might be present in uncooked fish is tinea, which causes ringworm disease. Make sure that you eat in safe and clean sushi places. It is recommended to use wasabi and ginger to reduce the risk of infections and diseases.

  • Mercury

One of the biggest disadvantages of eating sushi is the fact that fish can contain worrying amounts of mercury. It is important to know that predatory fish contain a higher level of mercury than smaller fish. So, try to avoid shark, swordfish and marlin, especially if you are thinking to go out to eat sushi with children or pregnant women.

2 commments

  1. This is great post,keep it up!

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