Sushi is a delicious traditional Japanese dish that has an important place in the international cuisine. Sushi is very popular all over the world, both among the gourmets and among those who are conscientious about their health.
What is sushi
This traditional Japanese dish was first introduced to the rest of the world following the end of the World War II. It became popular in the United States during the 1960s, when a Californian chef slightly altered the recipe and created what is today known as California rolls.
Many people believe that sushi is nothing but raw fish. However, the essence of sushi is vinegared rice, whiiich can be combined with fish, vegetables and seaweed, usually nori. Sushi with just a small piece of fish is called sashimi, while sushi with fish toping is known as nigiri. Sushi is usually served with soy sauce or with wasabi.
Various health benefits of sushi
Because it basically contains different vegetables and fish, sushi is considered to be very healthy and nutritious. Fish is among the healthiest foods there are, and it is low in fat. This, however, applies only to traditionally prepared sushi. In the Western world people tend to saturate their sushi with more fats, like creams, dips and sauces, and they use fatty fish more, like tuna, swordfish, and yellowtail. Such sushi must be consumed only in small quantities. On the other side, Japanese, who are known for their longevity and good health, eat mainly low-fat fish, and they only eat small amounts of sushi.
Because fish is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, sushi is recommended for people who need to regulate their cholesterol levels. High cholesterol can lead to clogged arteries and to several different cardiovascular diseases. Eating sushi alone cannot lower the cholesterol but it can reverse the effects and the damage caused by high cholesterol, and reduce the risk of cholesterol-induced illnesses.
As for the benefits of sushi for weight loss, it depends on the kind of fish used and on the filling. If the fish is low-fat and the filling is low-calorie, sushi can be extremely beneficial for people who are trying to lose weight.
Sushi made with seaweed called nori is rich in minerals and vitamins and it is very beneficial for the skin. Omega-3 content in fish contributes even more to healthy and young-looking skin.
As for diabetics, they should be careful when they eat sushi because some types of this dish are not suitable for them. They should opt for sashimi, which contains no rice.
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