Sushi chefs attempt to replicate the allegory "seeing the world in a grain of sand" by creating a collage of foods that represent the world in a single bite. The many pieces that come together in the sushi puzzle are meant to reflect seasonal changes -- color, texture and flavor being the quintessential tell-tale. The Environmental Protection Agency reports that fish and shellfish under 12 oz. per week are an important part of a healthy diet for children and pregnant or nursing women.
Starchy White Rice
Contrary to popular belief, the word "sushi" is the traditional Japanese term for seasoned rice, not raw fish. White rice is the main component and an unhealthy aspect of what is commonly referred to as sushi. The unhealthy aspect of white rice can be pinpointed in the grain itself, which consists of an outer husk whose inner bran nutrients have been removed during the milling process. Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy state that the nutritional value of white rice is summarized in one word: starch.
Mercury
Sushi that includes tuna or swordfish may increase the risk of mercury poisoning, according to tests conducted by the Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute on 20 Manhattan restaurants. Researchers believe the absorption of environmental pollution by oceans and lakes is the main culprit for the rise in mercury-laden fish. Concerns aside, the National Fisheries Institute states that eating sushi is a great way to incorporate the healthy benefits of tuna, salmon, sea bass, trout, crab and shrimp into your diet.
Raw Fish
The Japanese word "sashimi" represents the raw fish that may or may not be included in sushi. More often than not, the fish contained in sushi has been marinated and cooked; sashimi is typically reserved for the top of sushi and not placed inside. Salmon, tuna and mackerel are healthy fish options for sushi as they contain healthy omega 3 fatty acids. The specialty food magazine "The Nibble," states that sashimi is one of four commonly prepared styles of sushi that generally contain fish.
Nori
Another piece to the sushi puzzle often involves nori, the thin seaweed sheet that holds sushi rolls together. Seaweed is virtually tasteless until it is pulled from tidal rocks and dried in spring and winter months. After being dried, the traditionally fishy flavor of nori begins to take shape. Of the many benefits of seaweed, the disease-fighting substance of nori called chlorophyll is one of the most impressive. In an article published at Oprah.com, Dr. Nicolas Perricone says that chlorophyll also functions as a cancer preventative.
Sushi Preparation
Knowing how and where your sushi is prepared can prevent most of the possible pitfalls of a sushi diet. If fish other than sashimi is used to make your sushi, it is usually frozen before hand to ensure the quality of the meat and its safe consumption. Choosing a restaurant where you can watch the sushi chef at work will offer a crystal-clear glimpse into the sanitation methods involved in the preparation of your meal.
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