It’s hard to determine the specific reason why so many people flock to great sushi restaurants as often they possibly can. Is it because the sushi served there is so delicious… or is it because the sushi is so healthy?
Many people eat sushi because they like the way it tastes, and its health benefits come secondary. However, sushi – especially when it’s made with salmon – is actually one of the healthiest foods on earth.
Salmon is one of the main ingredients used in many sushi restaurants. It’s a popular choice because it’s low in fat and its flavor is unique yet mild – and the health benefits of salmon are extraordinary.
People who live in Japan tend to eat a lot of salmon. In fact, the amount of salmon consumed by the Japanese is significantly higher than any other group of people anywhere in the world. And, coincidentally, Japan has the lowest prevalence of heart disease than any other country.
Omega 3 Oils
Many species of salmon contain very high levels of Omega 3 oils. Scientists and nutritionists have known for many years that Omega 3 oils are very healthy for humans and they can even help lower the risk of developing heart disease, lower blood pressure, boost the immune system, prevent certain types of cancers, and reduce the effects of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Unfortunately, many people – especially in the United States – do not consume enough Omega 3 oils in their diets in order for their bodies to take advantage of the oil’s benefits. In order for a body to derive full benefits from Omega 3 oils, the oils must be consumed on a regular basis – up to a few times a week.
When healthy eating habits include foods rich in Omega 3 oils eaten on a regular basis, a person’s overall health can improve dramatically. Since salmon contains more Omega 3 oils than any other fish (about 2.7 grams per 100 gram portion), eating it a minimum of one time per week can help a person lower their cholesterol and decrease their risk of developing other types of health problems.
Protein, Vitamins, Minerals and Antioxidants
Not only is salmon rich in Omega 3 oils, but it is also a food that is high in protein. In fact, salmon contains more protein than most types of red meat, chicken and pork. Salmon is also a low fat food, and the small amount of fat that it does contain is unsaturated fat – which is considered to be the “healthy” kind.
Salmon contains a high level of vitamins A, B, C, D, E, niacin, potassium, zinc, iron, and calcium. Basically, eating a serving of salmon can be considered more beneficial than taking a multi-vitamin in pill form.
Besides being so rich in Omega 3 oils, vitamins, and minerals, it just so happens that salmon is also filled with antioxidants. An antioxidant is something that is contained in various foods that, when consumed, can help boost a person’s immune system, and can also help get rid of plaque build up in arteries – which can lower a person’s risk of developing heart disease. Antioxidants are so important because they can also help prevent the development of certain cancers.
Types of Salmon Used at Japon Restaurant
There are several species of salmon, which are either caught in the Atlantic Ocean or the Pacific Ocean. At Japon, King Salmon (from the Pacific) and Silver Salmon (from the Atlantic) are served.
King Salmon:
King salmon are fish that swim in the Pacific ocean in a distance ranging from about Santa Barbara California’s coast all the way up to the coast of Alaska. They have also been found swimming near the island coasts near Russia.
The official name for King salmon is “Chinook” salmon, but they are commonly called “King” salmon because they tend to be one of the largest types of salmon and they are also the best tasting. This is one of the main reasons that most of the high-end sushi restaurants around the world serve King salmon as one of their choices for customers.
Silver Salmon:
Silver salmon, which swim in the Atlantic Ocean, are a smaller species of salmon than the King variety. A normal sized, full-grown Silver salmon usually weighs only around 10 pounds.
Similar to the King salmon, Silver salmon are considered to be high-quality sushi-grade fish. There is a slight difference in taste between the two salmon varieties, but both are considered delicacies when served raw in a sushi restaurant.
