Sushi, an ancient Japanese dish, was initially made by preserving raw fish in vinegared rice. The rice was later discarded and the fish was eaten as it is, i.e. in its natural form by the Japanese people. Although sushi had been eaten as a staple diet in Japan for hundred of years, it became famous as Japanese fast food in Tokyo, only after the second world war ended. As far as sushi finding its way in America is concerned, it became popular only in the 1960s, when a Japanese Sushi chef designed and created a sushi roll, especially for the Californians, in accordance with the American tastes. And till date, there has been no looking back for sushi in America, and it has become more and more popular with the American people since then.
Although sushi has now gained acceptance with majority of Americans, people still wonder whether it is healthy or not. Since most raw foods are always a healthier choice as compared to the cooked ones, sushi too, being cooked out of a raw fish, is quite healthy. In fact, sushi has many benefits for the body. Here is a list of some of the benefits of eating sushi.
Health Benefits of Eating Sushi
- Sushi contains almost zero cholesterol and near to nil unhealthy fats, and thus, is one of the healthiest and the most non-fattening of all fast foods.
- Sushi is a rich source of omega-6 fatty acids, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. It also contains some very valuable sea minerals, which are hard to find in other foods. This makes sushi a complete health food.
- Yes, sushi is definitely healthy for you. Most sushi are prepared with vinegared rice, and hence are very rich in zinc. This makes sushi one of the most useful immunity building foods. Besides this, sushi is known to make the hair healthy and shiny. It also helps in boosting one's sex drive.
- Sushi is rich in proteins and vitamin E, is a low health risk food, and is perhaps the only meat, which is low risk, as far as cardiovascular diseases are concerned.
As you can see, sushi can be quite beneficial for the body. However, before eating sushi, care should be taken that the raw fish in sushi is fresh. Also, sushi is available in various forms in America, so choose the healthier options available from all the types of sushi. For example, sushi roles, also known as the Californian roles, which contain rice, vegetables and seafood, are quite healthy. Sashimi, which is made of sliced raw fish pieces, served with rice and wasabi, is even more healthier as long as the raw fish used is fresh. Also, while eating sushi at some restaurant and bar, make sure to choose the one which has a good reputation and is known to follow the food safety norms. So keep these things in mind, as sushi is perhaps the healthiest of all meats and fast foods.
