And heart food. And much much more. :)
The main ingredients in most sushi is fish, and a little rice. It may contain veggies, such as avocado, cucumber and may be wrapped in good for you seaweed called Nori.
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Fish is widely recognized as a very healthful food. High in protein and low in fat, countless types of fish are actually staples in many parts of the world. Even those fish that are higher in fat are still healthful and heart friendly, unlike many terrestrial meats that can be high in saturated fats. Most fish is high in the particular types of fats referred to as "Omega-3" fatty acids. These fats are essential to the human diet as we do not synthesize them biologically, and we must either consume the particular Omega-3s that our bodies require, or their precursor fatty acids which the body converts into the fats we use.
Today, Omega-3 fatty acids are considered quite beneficial to cardiovascular health and seafood consumption is suggested by doctors the world around. Today, many people take Omega-3 supplements, generally called 'fish oil' or "Omega 3 Oil," to incorporate more of these fatty acids into their diet, however deep, cold water fish are also excellent sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, and tasty too, so go ahead and eat sushi!
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For a person with normal health, sushi has many health benefits. All dishes (excluding eel, and some fusion style sushi) are low in saturated fat and high in protein. There may be a slight load in carbohydrates in thick sushi rolls which contain more rice, but it is negligible for nigiri sushi since they are small in amount.
High content of fish oil is the main health factor which promotes a healthy cardiovascular system. The hikarimono, or shiny fishes (mackerel, Spanish mackerel, sardine, Pacific Saury) contain the highest amounts of EPA and DHA omega3 fats. (Ironically they are the least expensive fishes). These fishes are also high in vitamin E which is a powerful antioxidant.
Nori contains a great source of minerals found in the ocean and vinegar acts as an important factor in promoting cell metabolism. People who use vinegar frequently (to dress salads, blend with soy sauce, or drink in small amounts (please refer to rice vinegar in choosing the best ingredients) have lower percentages of body fat.
Unfortunately, people with type I or II diabetes should stay away from sushi, and stick to sashimi. Individuals with high blood pressure must limit their use of soy sauce
Thankfully sushi is not a particularly fattening food, and a low calorie meal is not out of the cards if you have a craving for sushi. While rice contains a fair amount of carbohydrates, sushi can be eaten without it (as sashimi) and in moderation, even a standard sushi item can be a healthful treat without breaking the calorie bank.
Restaurants with a preference for flavor over calorie watching may also add ingredients, such as mayonnaise to some rolls, which will increase their caloric values, but if you make them at home, you know exactly what is in the mix.
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As well sushi comes with two delicious sides for added flavour and zing! You may want to try wasabi with your suhi for an added kick, or some pickled ginger for a tasty, but less spicy flavour treat. Wasabi is believed to act as an antidote to food poisoning, which is a useful property when served with fresh raw fish. The health benefits of wasabi are cancer prevention, preventing harmful blood clots, preventing cavities. As well it has anti-asthmatic properties, antibiotic, anti-coagulant and antimicrobial properties. And it can certainly clear your sinuses.
Although pickled ginger is a little more mild and less zippy then fresh raw ginger, it still possesses all of the health benefits. Historically, ginger has a long tradition of being very effective in alleviating symptoms of gastrointestinal distress. In herbal medicine, ginger is regarded as an excellent carminative (promotes the elimination of intestinal gas) and intestinal spasmolytic (relaxes and soothes the intestinal tract). Modern scientific research has revealed that ginger possesses numerous therapeutic properties including antioxidant effects, an ability to inhibit the formation of inflammatory compounds, and direct anti-inflammatory effects.
So go ahead and eat your sushi as often as you like, and when you do, you might want to remind yourself that not only are you enjoying yourself; you are also doing somethign great for your heart, brain, and well-being.