By Dr Sandy Zabaneh
Nutrient-packed and diet-friendly, this Japanese mainstay has become so popular that it is now considered a worldwide indulgence. But with all the add-ons typical of the new wave sushi rolls, does sushi live up to its super-healthy expectations?
Sushi has captured the palates of gourmet enthusiasts and the health conscious alike. But sushi embodies more than just another food option – it is a sublime dining experience starting from the moment the sushi chef artfully concocts these mouthwatering delicacies to the way the diner should eat the sushi (believe it or not, there are actual rules to eating sushi called “sushi etiquette”).
So how does this exorbitant meal fare in calories? It turns out that the creaminess of the fish boasts great flavor without affecting your waistline and is an excellent source of protein and heart-helpful omega-3 fatty acids. Veggies provide a nutritious supply of vitamins; seaweed (nori) is rich in iodine; and rice provides energy-boosting carbohydrates. Sounds good to your waistlines, right? Well, if you are eating just those ingredients in a sushi roll, you are on a healthy track. However, not all sushi is created equal. Some sushi rolls are so smothered with condiments, like mayo and cream cheese, that you can barely see the fish. And if you get imitation crab meat, the protein content is roughly half of the real stuff and offers no omega 3’s.
The calorie information for the following sushi items vary depending on chef preparation – how thick of a rice layer he puts, how heavy his hand is on the condiments (mayo, teriyaki, cream cheese, crunchy tempura bits, avocado), and how large or small he makes the rolls. Serving size is approximately 6 pieces of sushi.
Rainbow Roll
Heavier in calories, but with all that fish on top, you can bet on getting your fair share of omega 3’s.
Ingredients: Nori, rice, avocado, surimi, plus a variety of raw fish arranged on top
476 calories
16 grams fat
Spicy Tuna Roll
You may want to opt for the plain tuna roll, and use wasabi for heat instead of the mayo-spiked chili sauce in this spicy version.
Ingredients: Nori, rice, mayo, tuna, chili sauce
290 calories
11 grams fat
Philadelphia Roll
Why not savor the silkiness of salmon alone and do away with the dollop of cream cheese to save on fat.
Ingredients: Nori, rice, salmon, cream cheese, cucumber
290 calories
12 g fat
Tuna Roll
The beauty of this stand-alone roll is that it is protein-packed and divine tasting, even without the unnecessary slather of empty-calorie condiments.
Ingredients: Nori, rice, tuna
184 calories
2 g fat
Shrimp Tempura Roll
Sushi fish is usually served raw and should not be messed with, but if the sushi chef must prep the fish (like batter it up and fry it), then it is an omen to stay away. It is also prudent to avoid rolls which include “crunch” in their name, because those crispy nibbles of flavor are nothing but fried-up tempura batter.
Ingredients: Nori, rice, shrimp, tempura batter, oil for frying
508 calories
21 g fat
California Roll
This ubiquitous roll satisfies even non-sushi lovers who can’t appreciate the acquired taste of raw fish. Known as the hotdog of seafood, whole food aficionados usually stay away from surimi (imitation crab), because it does not have the bragging rights of real fish since it is highly processed, artificially flavored and devoid of omega 3’s.
Ingredients: Nori, rice, avocado, surimi
255 calories
7 g fat
Eel and Avocado Roll
The sugary helping of teriyaki sauce that coats the broiled fresh water eel is loaded with sodium and sugar, so don’t go for seconds.
Ingredients: Nori, rice, avocado, eel
372 calories
17g fat
Salmon and Avocado Roll
This appetizing roll makes you forget that you are even eating something so nutritious. Oozing with healthy fats coming from two sources (salmon and avocado), be rest assured that your calories will not go down in vain when consuming these rolls.
Ingredients: Nori, rice, salmon, avocado
304 calories
8.5 g fat
Nigiri
Fat content goes way down when sushi is not rolled up. Nigiri is a classic sushi favorite that won’t set your diet back, because it contains a hefty serving of fish sitting on a small mound of rice.
Ingredients: raw fish on a bed of rice
250 calories
5 g fat
Sashimi plate small
If you are a carb-avoider, this dish calls out your name. But this plate is only for the devout sushi-lover as you get nothing but raw fish.
Ingredients: raw fish
130 calories
5 g fat
Dr Sandy Zabaneh is a US board-certified Doctor in Pharmacy who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology from University of California, Davis. She is the Health Editor of U Magazine, clinical pharmacy consultant and life coach. Dr Sandy likes to follow the motto set forth by the World Health Organization in 1948: Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Check out her blog at http://www.askdrsandy.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr_Sandy_Zabaneh
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Tale-of-Sushi&id=5345103