Who thought that a piece of raw fish enveloped in rice and rolled into a sheet of seaweed could become such a culinary sensation? But the Japanese dish sushi is more than just bits of fish, vegetables and rice. Sushi has a history, one that goes centuries back. In the early prototype of sushi, rice, vinegar and salt were used to preserve slices of fish, which was then fermented as a way to preserve it. Today, sushi is rather made and eaten on the spot. On June 18 every year, International Sushi Day is celebrated in the honour of this Japanese dish. You’ll be thrilled to know sushi is as delicious as it is nutritious. Here are some health benefits of the Japanese dish you should know about. International Sushi Day 2019: History and Significance of Day Dedicated to the Traditional Japanese Delicacy.

Sushi Nutrition

  • Sushi is made of fatty fish, rice, seaweed, vinegar, wasabi and pickled ginger.

  • Fish is a treasure trove of healthy fats like omega 3 and vitamin D.

  • Vinegar has anti diabetic, anti-cholesterol and antimicrobial qualities.

  • Seaweed bursts with antioxidants, fibres, vitamins, minerals, iodine and tyrosine.

  • Wasabi a paste made of horseradish has antibacterial, anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties.

Fights Depression

Omega 3 fatty acids have a laundry list of health benefits, including improving mood. Depressive symptoms can be abated with a healthy dose of sushi, provided it is made of oily fish like salmon, tuna, trout, etc.

Protects Heart Health

Again, omega 3 in the oily fish, which has cardio-protective properties makes sushi excellent for heart health. The fatty acids help in preventing blocked arteries and raising good cholesterol.

Regulates Hormones

Nori the seaweed used for wrapping the contents of sushi is a nutritious food replete in minerals such as iodine. The micronutrient helps in regulating hormones by helping the thyroid glands function well.

Aids Weight Loss

The high protein, low-fat sushi is a great snack to keep you full guiltlessly. The proteins in sushi help in increasing satiety and the carbs in the form of rice give you energy.

Fights Cancer

You read that right. Sushi could have cancer-fighting properties thanks to the condiments used with it. Wasabi, the horseradish paste eaten with sushi, has isothiocyanates, a powerful anticancer agent that neutralises the cancer cells. Similarly, preserved ginger also has powerful antioxidants that work against oxidative stress, the biggest cause of cancer. In addition to this, seaweed has also been proven to give protective benefits against colon and breast cancers.

Good for Skin, Hair

With so much omega 3 fatty acids, it’s natural for sushi to offer beauty benefits to the hair and skin. The iron content in the fish used helps to up the RBC count, which stimulates hair growth. Sushi Horror! 71-Year-Old Had To Amputate His Hand Due To Bacterial Infection Caused By Raw Fish.

Sushi is an acquired taste. Some may not like its outlandish taste. But those who like it are hooked to it. On International Sushi Day 2019, grab a plate of your favourite nigiri, maki, temaki, sashimi or uramaki.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 18, 2019 10:18 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).