Sushi's health benefits

Matt and I treated ourselves to our favorite Sushi place this evening. Each time we go (fairly often) we have a few staples that we stuff ourselves with. It's definitely a satisfying food that I rarely beat myself up for over-eating. However there are fat traps in the modern rolls that one must avoid. The sauces, tempura, and little extras can add un-necessary calories and in my opinion, take away some of the emphasis on the delicious flavor of the raw fish. So what about sushi makes it so light and healthful? 
After z jump...

Seafood in general may be one of the best sources of nutrition available to us. Packed with protein, dense with nutrients, and often containing very little heart clogging saturated fat, unlike meat from terrestrial animals, sushi is an excellent sources of heart-healthy fats. Salmon is especially high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are linked to improved cholesterol levels, lowered blood pressure, and decreased risk of abnormal heart rhythms. Mackerel, lake trout, herring, and tuna also have omega oomph. 

The thin sheets of seaweed, or nori, which are flattened, cut, and wrapped around maki and hand rolls, contain mighty minerals. Iodine, essential for proper hormone function, is abundant in this dried sea vegetable. You'll also get the benefit of magnesium, calcium, iron, and antioxidant phytonutrients and folic acid from eating rolls wrapped in nori. Wasabi and ginger both have antibacterial qualities, and ginger is widely regarded as aiding digestion and improving circulation.

Curious about your favorite roll? Check out Eat This Not That's Sushi Roll Detector HERE!

WORDS OF CAUTION: FAT!

Covert calories: Since sushi ingredients get rolled up into such tiny packages, it's easy to think you're eating a tiny amount of calories and fat. One plain tuna roll can have less than 200 calories, but add in embellishments like mayonnaise, fried tempura bits, or cream cheese, and you've got yourself one concentrated bundle of fat and calories. Eat one crunchy shrimp tempura roll, for instance, and you're gobbling over 500 calories and 20 g of fat! Both soy sauce and wasabi are low-calorie condiments, but soy sauce can send sodium levels soaring. 

Sushi grade fish & mercury levels: Whether dining in or out it is important to check the source of your fish--food borne illnesses can run rampant in raw fish so only get the best. Check Yelp for local sushi restaurant reviews. 

*I love nori so I often use sheets of it to wrap "non-sushi" foods like a burrito (also great for low-carb days). I wrap turkey meat, any type of raw veggie, goat cheese, sprouts, etc. It's fun to experiment!

RECIPES: 

A full list of how to make your own sushi rolls HERE

Vegetarian soba noodle sushi HERE