Fifty years ago, Americans were disgusted by eating raw fish. Today? There are nearly 4,000 sushi restaurants in the United States. And these restaurants gross some $2 billion annually, according to leading research institutes.
There’s no doubt that this quintessential Japanese cuisine is one of the freshest foods you can eat, but what are the health benefits of sushi?
From promoting bone density to increasing brain power, sushi is healthy in so many ways.
In the following article, we’ll take a look at seven incredible ways that sushi is great for your body.
1) Benefits of Sushi Includes Bone Health
Sushi contains many nutrients, including calcium and vitamin D. Calcium and vitamin D go hand-in-hand because vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. And calcium helps prevent osteoporosis and arthritis.
Most people with arthritis need to consume the recommended daily allowance each day. That dosage varies, but a woman age 19 to 50 should take in about 1,000 milligrams a day.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, eating calcium-rich foods like sushi is better to get that recommended daily allowance than taking supplements.
2) Antioxidant Rich
Antioxidants help eliminate free radicals in our bodies. These free radicals are connected to several sicknesses, including diabetes and cancer.
Not only is the fish used in sushi full of antioxidants, but so are the veggies like carrots and fruits like avocado.
3) Muscle Builders
Protein is crucial for muscle health, repair, and growth. The amino acids present in sushi is what fuels the healing of tired muscles. Mackerel and tuna are great kinds of sushi to eat after working out.
Also, rice is a great way to absorb some carbs and take in glycogen for muscle energy.
4) Healthy Fats
Salmon and tuna are an excellent way to get a big dose of omega-3 healthy fatty acids. Omega-3 can help lower triglycerides in the body and reduce a person’s risk of stroke or heart disease.
The avocado in your California roll also has several beneficial fats.
5) Fuel the Brain
Thinking about sushi delivery? That should be a no-brainer after you realize that omega-3 fatty acid not only helps stave off disease but is good for brain function and cell regeneration. Sushi also helps reduce inflammation around the brain due to its antioxidants and helps improve cognitive function.
A UCLA study found that people with insufficient omega-3s in their bodies had lower IQs and less brain volume.
6) Immune System Boost
All those nutrients and healthy fats found in sushi fire up your body’s natural self-defense system. Also, several vitamins found in sushi, like vitamin A, helps keep your skin looking healthy and your immune system strong.
7) Thyroid and Hormone Helper
Sushi is fabulous for your endocrine system, which produces hormones that balance and control your body’s functions. The seaweed in sushi also contains iodine that helps regulate the thyroid gland, which in turn controls your metabolism.
Think Thin
The seven items above all show the benefits of sushi, but there’s probably one more than beats them all — a trim belly.
Americans who eat sushi are replacing a meal with potentially harmful grease, fat, and starch with one that is high in protein and beneficial antioxidants and vitamins.
For those people looking to lose weight, rainbow rolls, salmon/avacado rolls, and California rolls are all recommended.
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