Is Sushi Healthy?

By priscilla

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

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Sushi originated as a way of preserving fish in Japan. Today, the food has spread beyond Japan and become quite popular in America and all around the world. It comes in a variety of styles, but the food typically includes rice, vegetables, and raw or cooked fish with seaweed. There are three types of sushi: nigiri, maki and temaki.

While sushi can have several health benefits, including healthy doses of important nutrients, its preparation and other factors can pose health risks. These risks can be particularly concerning for certain demographics, so its important to understand the risks and rewards of the popular dish.

1. Best Sushi Choices

Japanese cuisine features many dietary elements that promote longevity. One of the essential parts of the Japanese diet is fish, which contains DHA and EPA omega 3 fatty acids.¹‘Omega-3 Fatty Acids.’ Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), 31 Aug. 2020, ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-Consumer/. Most of the varieties of sushi contain these fatty acids.

Examples of nutritious sushi include maki and nigiri. These delicacies feature salads and cooked vegetables as side dishes that are rich in micronutrients and fiber. Some sushi varieties use healthier types of fish, such as mackerel and salmon, both of which don't have the high levels of mercury present in many common fish like tuna.²‘Fish and Shellfish.’ uk, 27 Apr. 2018, www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/fish-and-shellfish-nutrition/.