Sushi is becoming increasingly popular, but there are a lot of questions concerning health risks involved in consuming this raw delicacy.
There is something delectable about the mix of rice and veggies wrapped with raw fish and roasted seaweed, dipped in wasabi and soy sauce. But can something so good also be so good for you? We know about the health benefits of omega fats found in fish like salmon, and we also know about the rising levels of mercury in fish. So do the costs out weigh the benefits? Here is the truth about sushi.
The Pros
Many of the main ingredients found in sushi are in fact very healthy and are beneficial to your health. Fish, the main ingredient in rolls and sashimi, is full of protein and calcium. If you want the greatest amount of protein try yellowtail and tuna fish. Another great benefit in the oily fish like salmon are the omega-3 fatty acids. These are known to improve many aspects of your health such as blood circulation and the heart.
The roasted seaweed used to wrap sushi rolls are another great source of protein and calcium. In addition they offer many different vitamins including Vitamin A, C, and ten types of Vitamin B, and the wrap is also known to be a great digestive aid. The Wasabi according to Blue C Sushi is, “more powerful then ultraviolet radiation in killing bacteria.” It is also rich in Vitamin C.
It has also been suggested in an article by Kathy Summers on www.health.com that sushi can help you if you're “exhausted, achy, or moody,” as a result of hypothyroidism. She explains that, “a healthy thyroid needs iodine, selenium, and magnesium.” As Iodine is present in sushi, seafood, and kelp, eating these foods will aid in maintaining healthy thyroid hormone levels.
The Cons
Sushi is sounding pretty good, right? But unfortunately sushi does have a few flaws. One of the most talked about problems with eating any fish or seafood are the levels of mercury present. The FDA has suggested that people should limit the amount of fish they consume to no more then 12 ounces per week and pregnant women are encouraged not to eat fish at all as the mercury can cause birth defects.
The serving size of a sushi roll may not be enough to fill the average American as we have become accustomed to eating large portions, but beware, the calories in those little rolls can really add up. This is mainly thanks to the rice which is full of complex carbohydrates; a quarter cup of white rice has 160 calories.
There is one more notable drawback to sushi: as most sushi is composed of raw fish there is a lot of opportunity for parasites to populate the raw meat. This occurs more when the fish are cleaned and gutted out at sea as there is more opportunity for infestation. According to www.medicalnet.com, “Anisakiasis is a parasitic disease contracted from infected seafood which is eaten raw or marinated. This is a type of round worm which can be picked up from eating sashimi, sushi, and ceviche.”
The Choice is Yours
Considering the pros and cons of sushi it may be difficult for some to decide whether eating it is a good choice. As some suggest it has a lot to offer nutritionally and In moderation can be a great meal. While others warn you may be treading in dangerous waters if you decide to ingest the raw delicacy. Ultimately sushi has a few flaws but then we must ask, is the combo meal at your favorite burger place a better choice? Probably not.
