In this Healthy Living report, a registered dietitian explains exactly why sushi can be so beneficial to your health.
The first sushi was created in Southeast Asia centuries ago. With no refrigerators to keep the meat fresh, they would cure the fish and wrap it in rice. The Japanese adopted and popularized the art and it eventually made its way to the United States. Registered dietitian Adena Neglia says it is a good, healthy option.
"You have carbohydrates from the rice, you have lean, heart healthy protein from the fish and healthy unsaturated fats from the avocado,” Neglia says.
Neglia says the fish is a great source for omega-3’s, and avocado has about 20 essential vitamins and minerals in a serving.
The head sushi chef at Zuma New York, Kwang Kim, holds a weekly sushi making class. He shows his students shortcuts to what can be a very laborious, often all-day process."
"Sushi is actually just a short word for 'vinegar and rice,' and they just kind of put that together and that's how you get sushi,” Kim says.
As for concerns about mercury levels, Neglia says, “As long as you're getting a variety of different types of fish and you're not pregnant, breastfeeding or a child, you don't really have to worry about it too much."
She says sushi makes portion control easy.
"Maybe if you were trying to watch your weight you would stick to one roll and maybe a couple pieces of sashimi,” Neglia says. “Getting your vegetables in, seaweed is actually a great source of iodine which is not found in a lot of different foods, so it also has a great amount of antioxidants."
She also says there two things to remember if you are watching your weight: anything tempura is deep fried; and spicy rolls have a lot of mayonnaise.