The ingredients in sushi contain many benefits that contribute to your overall health. Inside the different types of dishes in sushi restaurants, from handrolls to nigiri to sashimi, contains all sorts of nutrients and minerals with robust health benefits.

Benefits of fish

Fish, raw or cooked, have so many benefits for your overall health. It contains a multitude of vitamin D, which isn’t naturally common in other foods. Tuna and salmon, fish that are commonly used in sushi dishes, are not only high in vitamin D, but are also a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids help improve brain function and can help you fight against cardiovascular issues, such as strokes and heart disease. Not only that, but consuming fish also helps reduce risks associated with depression, aging memory and vision loss, as well as various autoimmune diseases. The health benefits of fish are certainly bountiful and are said to contribute to life longevity.

Vegetable Intake

A lot of sushi rolls incorporate various vegetables, such as cucumbers, carrots, and avocados. In fact, sushi dishes make consuming vegetables much easier. Rather than having a plate of food with a side of vegetables waiting for you to (dreadfully) consume, you can eat it in one bite with each piece of sushi you put in your mouth. Often, it’s easy to overlook eating vegetables, especially if you’re a keen consumer of meat; however, when eating sushi, you are guaranteed the balanced intake of meat and vegetables in your meal. The vegetables are also chopped into small pieces that make it simple and easy to eat. Many sushi restaurants have vegetarian rolls that is made entirely of vegetables, and even fruit. Dipping them soy sauce can make the tastes of these rolls even more enjoyable. Add some edamame and seaweed salad on the side, and you got yourself vegetable feast!

Nori nutrients

Most sushi, if not all, are wrapped in edible seaweed called “nori”—the japanese term for seaweed. Even though they are low in calories, they are actually packed with all sorts of healthy nutrients such as minerals like iron, magnesium, iodine, and calcium. Nori also contains vitamins A, B-6, C, and E, and full of protein, which makes for almost half of its nutritional content. This protein helps lower blood pressure and contributes to a healthy heart.

Gari on the Side

Sushi is often served with a side pickled ginger, known as “gari”. It is typically used a palette cleanser with its sweet flavor. It contains a handful of nutritional benefits, such as different minerals including magnesium, manganese, potassium, and copper. Gair is also known to be helpful in repelling different kinds of bacteria and viruses from your body. Additionally, studies have found that ginger itself has many positive benefits in improving memory, decreasing cholesterol levels and nausea, as well as reducing pain associated with arthritis, menstruation, and muscle aches. Although often glossed over due to the appeal of the delicious main dishes, gari should be consumed more often because of the many health benefits it possesses.

Wasabi

Another side that is often served with sushi is wasabi, a green paste, that resembles (and is mistaken for) guacamole. Don’t be fooled by it’s looks, however; a small amount of this green paste definitely packs a spicy punch. Thus, you want to eat this is small amounts with your piece of sushi. Authentic wasabi contains many nutritional properties as well. This includes different compounds such as beta carotene, isothiocyanates, and glucosinolates, which are shown to be effective in fighting inflammation, bacteria, and cancer.

If you want to experience the consumption of all these different nutritional sources, an all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant is your best bet. You can try all sorts of sushi rolls as well as soups, rice bowls, and drinks. Take a look at their menu and the different ingredients that are in your dishes. Eat each dish with pleasure, knowing the nutritional benefits they have in improving your health.