Sushi is delicious to eat, interesting to cook, and fun to share with family and friends alike. Any of these reasons are enough to enjoy this traditional Japanese cuisine, but there’s more. Sushi offers tremendous health benefits and is often believed to contribute to the longevity of Japanese citizens who consume it on a regular basis.
A Happy Heart
Sushi is a good source of Omega 3 fish oils. These are classed by dieticians as essential fats, since they do not occur naturally in the human body, yet offer a host of health benefits. Studies have demonstrated that they can lower the risk of heart disease and blood pressure, as well as having anti-inflammatory properties that help to combat autoimmune diseases.
Reduced Cravings
Being an excellent source of protein, the oily fish used in many sushi dishes helps to balance blood sugar and keep your energy levels stable. Combined with the carbohydrate content of the sushi rice, this enhances metabolism and leaves you feeling satisfied for longer. This leads to less snacking between meals, making it easier to maintain a calorie-controlled eating regime.
Combatting Depression
Oily fish such as salmon and tuna are high in Vitamin B12. clinical studies have shown that low levels of Vitamin B12 have been linked to depression and anxiety, and that a high Vitamin B12 diet can improve the efficacy of anti-depressant treatments.
Tackling Low Thyroid Function
Several sushi dishes make use of marine vegetables such as nori, kombu, and wakame containing high levels of iodine, which aids in the production of the thyroid hormone. Iodine deficiency can lead to a condition known as hypothyroidism, resulting in lethargy and an increased chance of obesity.
Increased Immunity
As well as Vitamin B12 and calcium, freshly-made sushi is packed with a whole range of other vitamins and minerals, essential to continued good health. These include Vitamin A and Vitamin C (though these are more prevalent in vegetarian sushi dishes), plus Vitamin B6, Vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, phosphorous, selenium, carotene, retinol, and iron, among others. These various minerals, each individually shown to boost your immune system are all available in a single, tasty, sushi-shaped parcel.
Muscle Repair and Bone Health
Fish-based sushi dishes are an excellent source of both protein and calcium. These are two key components for maintaining a healthy body, as the former can aid muscle repair and recovery, while the latter is the primary mineral for maintaining healthy bones. Regular consumption of sushi can help keep your joints limber and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. The high calcium content is also great for healthy hair and nails.
With fresh sushi demonstrating so many health benefits, there’s never been a better reason to indulge in this wonderful part of Japanese cooking. For all your sushi ingredients and equipment, visit our online store today.
