Sushi is a popular Japanese food that is prepared with vinegared rice, some sugar and salt, along with a variety of ingredients, such as seafood, usually raw, and vegetables.
Sushi is a delicious and nutritious meal. Yes, sushi is healthy, because it contains high-quality protein and omega-3 fatty acids from fish, a number of vitamins and minerals. However, it can become even more nutritious when consumed with even healthier ingredients.
Here are some healthy things to eat with sushi.
11 Healthy Things to Eat with Sushi
Below are some healthy foods you can eat along with sushi to boost your nutritional intake.
1. Miso Soup
Miso soup is one of the healthy foods to eat with sushi. This traditional Japanese soup is made from fermented soybeans, kelp, and bonito flakes (a type of tuna).
Miso has many health benefits: It may help lower cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation and prevent cancer cell growth.
Miso is also rich in vitamin K2, which helps maintain bone density and prevent osteoporosis. Eating Sushi makes it tastier and healthier.
2. Pickled vegetables
Pickled vegetables such as kimchi are common side dishes at Korean restaurants and make a great accompaniment to sushi.
Kimchi contains probiotics that promote healthy digestion in the body. You can have pickled vegetables as toppings on the sushi.
3. Watermelon
Watermelon is one of the healthy food to eat with sushi because it is an excellent way to cleanse the body and help hydrate your body.
It also contains many vitamins and minerals that can improve your overall health. It is an excellent fruit to pair with your sushi because it has a sweet flavor that will complement the taste of the fish in your roll.
4. Avocado
Avocado is another healthy choice when pairing food with sushi because it contains lots of nutrients like protein and fiber, which help keep you full longer than other foods. This way, you will eat less, which is a great choice if you want to lose weight.
Avocado also enhances the flavor of the fish in your roll by adding a creamy texture that compliments it perfectly!
5. Salmon
Salmon is one of the healthiest foods to eat with sushi. It’s high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and protect against heart disease and depression.
The health benefits of salmon don’t stop there. Salmon has also been shown to help prevent diabetes, improve cognitive function, boost brain power, protect against cancer, prevent osteoporosis, and more.
Most times, sushi is served with seafood. You can opt for cooked salmon, which makes the sushi very healthy to consume.
6. Seaweed salad
This crunchy seaweed dish contains vitamins, minerals, and protein from the soy sauce used to make it. It’s also delicious with spicy tuna rolls or other spicy dishes.
7. Nori chips
Nori chips are made from dried seaweed and have a similar taste and texture as potato chips. They’re low in calories but high in fiber and protein — so they’ll fill you up without weighing you down!
8. Cucumber
A great option for those who don’t like seaweed, cucumbers are an excellent source of vitamin C and other antioxidants.
They also help keep your skin healthy by supplying the body with silica and strengthening connective tissues like ligaments and tendons.
You can slice them and use them as toppings on sushi rolls.
9. Shiitake mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are rich in vitamin D and selenium, both necessary for strong immune systems that fight off colds and other infections before they take hold.
Shiitakes also contain monoterpenes (eucalyptol), which may help lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels or easing anxiety so you can sleep better at night. They are great when paired with sushi.
10. Soy sauce
Soy sauce is made from fermented soybeans, wheat, and salt. It is a flavor enhancer for many Asian dishes and is often used in sushi rolls.
Some brands have been known to contain high amounts of sodium, so it’s best to avoid those that do. Look for brands with lower sodium levels (around 150mg per tablespoon).
11. Pickled ginger
Pickled ginger has many health benefits, including helping digestion and reducing nausea symptoms associated with motion sickness or morning sickness during pregnancy.
It’s also low in calories (1 gram per serving) and contains no fat or cholesterol! Pickled ginger can be found at most supermarkets at the deli counter or near the sushi section of the store.
They are tasty and make sushi healthier and more flavorful.
12. Spinach salad
Delight in the verdant freshness of a spinach salad as a companion to your sushi.
The leafy greens offer a subtle, earthy base that’s superbly enhanced by a drizzle of sesame dressing, which echoes the nutty undertones found in some sushi rolls.
From a nutritional standpoint, spinach is a powerhouse, packed with iron, folate, and vitamins A and C, making it an excellent choice for boosting your meal’s health profile.
It’s a harmonious blend of taste and nutrition that elevates your sushi experience.
13. Edamame
These vibrant green pods are a staple at sushi restaurants, and for good reason.
Edamame beans are not only a joy to pop out of their pods, providing a playful start to your meal, but they also offer a subtly sweet and nutty flavor that doesn’t overpower the delicate taste of sushi.
Nutritionally, edamame is a fantastic source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to a feeling of fullness and enhancing the overall nutritional value of your meal.
14. Cucumber salad
A cucumber salad is the epitome of refreshing simplicity, creating a crisp, clean counterpoint to the rich flavors of sushi.
The cool, hydrating crunch of cucumber slices, often marinated in a light vinegar dressing, acts as a palate cleanser, preparing your taste buds for the next bite of sushi.
Cucumbers are low in calories but high in water content and offer a modest array of nutrients, including vitamin K, which aids in blood clotting and bone health.
15. Asparagus
Grilled or lightly blanched asparagus spears introduce a delightful char and a tender-crisp texture that complements the softness of sushi rice and fish.
Their inherent grassy sweetness can enhance the umami depth of sushi, while the fibrous nature of asparagus supports digestive health.
As a bonus, asparagus is rich in folate, vitamins A, C, E, and K, and has antioxidant properties, contributing to a nutritious side that’s both tasty and beneficial to your well-being.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many healthy things to eat with sushi. Therefore, to ensure that sushi is healthier, stick to the above and other healthy options. Avoid consuming sushi with carbonated drinks, processed food, and ice cream as it can be dangerous to your health.
