Japanese dish sushi is more than just bits of fish, vegetables, and rice. It has a history that goes centuries back. In the early prototype of sushi, rice, vinegar, and salt were used to preserve the slices of fish which was then fermented as a way to preserve it.
These days sushi is rather made and eaten on the spot. On June 18 every year, International Sushi Day is celebrated in honor of the Japanese dish. The dish is not just delicious but also nutritious.
Sushi Nutrients
- Sushi is made of fatty fish, rice, seaweed, vinegar, wasabi, and pickled ginger.
- Fish has healthy fats like omega 3 and vitamin D
- Vinegar has antidiabetic, anti-cholesterol, and antimicrobial qualities.
- Seaweed bursts with antioxidants, fibers, vitamins, minerals, iodine, and tyrosine.
- Wasabi a paste made of horseradish has antibacterial, anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties.
As we celebrate the day let’s look at the health benefits of the Japanese dish that you should know about
Fight depression
Omega 3 fatty acids have a lot of health benefits including improving mood. Depressive symptoms can be improved with a healthy dose of sushi, given it is made of oily fish like salmon, tuna, trout, etc.
Helps protect heart health
Omega 3 in oily fish has cardioprotective properties that make sushi excellent for heart health. The fatty acids help in preventing blocked arteries and raising good LDL cholesterol.
Regulates hormones
Nori the seaweed used for wrapping the contents of sushi is a nutritious food replete in minerals such as iodine. The micronutrient helps in regulating hormones by helping the thyroid glands function well.
Helps in weight loss
The sushi rich in high protein and low fat is a great snack to keep you full. The proteins in sushi help in increasing satiety and the carbs in the form of rice give you energy.
Fight cancer
Yes, sushi could have cancer-fighting properties, courtesy the condiments used with it. Wasabi the horseradish paste eaten with sushi has isothiocyanates which are a powerful anticancer agent that neutralizes the cancer cell. Also preserved ginger has powerful antioxidants that work against oxidative stress, the biggest cause of cancer. In addition, seaweed has also been proven to give protective benefits against colon and breast cancer.
Good for hair, skin
With so much omega 3 fatty acids, it’s natural for sushi to offer beauty benefits to the hair and skin. The iron content in the fish used helps to up the RBC count which stimulates hair growth.
