Sushi is part of the Asian cuisine and originally, it was meant to preserve the fresh raw meat of the fish in rice for the colder months. What we nowadays call sushi originated in Japan and is popular all over the world. It is basically raw or cooked fish, rolled in either rice and/or seaweed. Let's check what are the health benefits of savoring sushi:
- as a source of iodine, sushi can prevent hypothyroidism
- it is very rich in antioxidants, which helps regulate oxidative stress
- it also contains a lot of omega 3 and fatty acids, which promote cell regeneration
- it is loaded with protein and calcium
- since it is made with seaweed as well as other nutritious ingredients, such as vegetables and also fruits, sushi is a good supply of iron, nutrients and can regulate your cholesterol levels and hence protect your heart.
When consuming sushi, beware of the following:
- soy sauce is often very salty. Consume it with moderation!
- if the fish is not properly cleaned, you can catch a bad bacteria and get terribly sick. Make sure you consume sushi from a trusted place!
- some fish contain high levels of mercury. This can be toxic, especially for pregnant women or people with mercury sensitivity.
Now that I have exposed the pros and cons of this festive food that many of you might be enjoying over the holidays, I'm off to relish on the platter my friend Emie prepared for me today - you can see the beautiful presentation in the picture. I’m drooling all right 😋
Bon appétit!