Is Sushi Safe?

by Melissa King
March 17, 2005

Before I get into this... Happy St. Patrick's Day! Did you know that I am Irish? Well...I'm actually an American mutt, but I have a lot of Irish in me. :-) I hope you are wearing green today.

Many people have been asking me about sushi lately, whether or not it is a healthy food option. I must confess to you that I have a weakness for sushi. Sushi and anything made with peanut butter...but not together! Ewww!

You are going to get different opinions on this, so I'll throw some info out there and let you decide for yourself.

#1 Refined White Rice

First...the simplest thing is that we are dealing with white rice and sugar (usually the rice contains some sugar). So that part is not so healthy...but then you've got fish, vegetables, and seaweed! Lot's of vitamins, minerals, and healthy omega fats. It's also a great combination for lasting energy.

#2 Parasites

I have been eating sushi for 10 years, thanks to my sister who introduced me when I was 18, and during the summer...often you'll find me eating it a few times a week. In all that time I have not once become ill. I'm not going to tell you parasites are not out there though, because they are. Fortunately in the U.S. our risk is minimal. If you'd like to read a more in depth article about parasites in sushi it go to: http://myhealth.ccstpa.com/topic/sushi

#3 Mercury

There have been a lot of reports lately on the high levels of mercury in fish. Pregnant women are always advised to avoid sushi before and during pregnancy. Children should also avoid sushi. Mercury interferes with the brain & nervous system. Fortunately, the Natural Resources Defense Council has developed a guide for us sushi lovers on which fish are found to be high and low in mercury. You can find that list here: http://www.nrdc.org/health/effects/mercury/sushi.asp. There you can also read more in depth news on mercury and how you can be an advocate to stop the pollution that raises mercury levels in fish.

Finally

Last, it's important to know that your fish should look bright, shiny, and firm. It should not be slimy, and it should not smell. Don't be embarrassed to walk in and right back out of a sushi restaurant that smells fishy.

You'll still find me at sushi bars this summer, but if the concerns I brought up are enough to make your stomach feel queasy, check out my cooking classes or ask me when the next time vegetarian sushi rolls with brown jasmine rice and no sugar will be on the menu. They are delicious!