The benefits of eating sushi
New to sushi? These are the most common ingredients:
Gari:
Is a type of sweet Japanese pickled ginger.
- A very effective natural antiseptic.
- Helps the growth of the beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus, which aids digestion, it is also very effective against the growth of many harmful bacteria including E Coli, and Salmonella.
- Boosts your immune system to help against colds and flu.
Rice vinegar:
Is a vinegar made from fermented rice or rice wine in China and Japan.
- It has amazing antibacterial properties.
- Lowers the risk of high blood pressure.
- Has mild ‘pick-me-up’ qualities.
Soy sauce:
Is a fermented sauce made from soybeans (soya beans), roasted grain, water and salt.
- It is high in protein, magnesium, potassium and iron.
Nori:
Is the Japanese name for various edible seaweed species.
- It’s a rich source of antioxidants, such as beta-carotene, and the vitamins B1 (thiamine, which keeps nerves and muscle tissue healthy), B2 (riboflavin, which helps the body to absorb iron and is therefore good for anaemics) and vitamin B12.
- It also contains trace elements, such as chromium, which affects the way insulin behaves in the body, and zinc, which helps with healing.
- Helps prevent cholesterol levels building up in your blood.
Wasabi:
Known as Japanese horseradish, its root is used as a spice and has an extremely strong flavour. Its hotness is more akin to that of a hot mustard than a chilli pepper.
- Rich in vitamin C.
- Stimulates saliva and helps digestion.
- Has mild antiseptic as well as powerful anti-bacterial properties.
Fish and seafood:
Highly digestible food, high in protein, high in minerals – zinc, contains omega-3 acids which help in preventing heart diseases, strokes, arthritis and mild depression.
Rice:
High in complex carbohydrates and is also gluten-free.
Did you know?
- A typical portion of sushi between 4-8 pieces, contains approximately 250 to 300 calories…
- It’s a great way to eat the recommended two servings of fresh fish a week…
- Sushi is a great provider of many different vitamins, minerals and antioxidants into your diet.
- Many people link the typical diet of the Japanese (rice and fish) to the average life expectancy for both men and women in Japan to be one of the highest in the world…
- There are over 25,000 people currently over the age of 100 in Japan…
- 96% fewer men suffer coronary heart disease in Japan than in Britain…
- Only six in 100,000 Japanese women contract breast cancer – 20 times fewer than in Britain…