Social Sushi : the healthy alternative

When we think of dining out often many of us think of decadently designed dishes laden with rich dressings and oily sides but believe it or not there is a way you can experience the thrill of dining out whilst avoiding the guilt - Solution : All you can eat Sushi Wednesdays at Zuri!!...not only is it a great excuse to get out of the house, put away your uggs (they WILL still be there in the morning) and god forbid get a little bit social (while you still have your own teeth) but you could in fact also be doing your body a favour.

Sushi is becoming more and more popular for the simple reason it is a healthy option when it comes to dining out. Going back ten years and sushi would have only appealed to a niche market of people. However, as the nation has now become more health and body conscious, we are now looking at more healthy options in our diets, so trade in your usual deep fried madness or greasy sponge pizza for a delicious and healthy Sushi creation.....perhaps also making allowances for that delicious mocktail!

Here I break down a few of the many healthy ingredients found in Zuri's own delicious sushi options:

Raw fish:
Life expectancy in Japan is one of the highest in the world. On average, each person in Japan consumes around 100 grams of fish every day, in forms such as sushi, tempura and sashimi.
The omega-3 fatty acids in fish are linked to heart protection and improved circulation.

Rice:
Rice is the staple of the Japanese diet. It is a good source of energy and provides a supply of protein. Long used by naturopaths to treat digestive disorders, it sometimes helps in relieving diarrhoea.

Wasabi:
This is the green paste, often served with sushi, that is the Japanese equivalent of English mustard.
Thought to cleanse the palate, wasabi could also have health benefits. Scientists in Japan have discovered compounds called isothiocyanates in the paste that can help prevent tooth decay.
Wasabi has also been found to aid cancer prevention and prevent blood clots, if eaten regularly.

Seaweed:
The Japanese have been eating sea vegetables for centuries. They use seaweed in large amounts in their diet because of its concentrated mineral content.
Up to a quarter of Japanese food contains seaweed to boost flavour. In sushi, dried sheets are wrapped around rice and vegetables to form a mini-parcel.
It is rich in iodine - vital for a healthy thyroid - copper, calcium iron and magnesium.

Ginger:
A popular flavour-enhancer in sushi dishes, ginger is also taken to mark the end of one type of sushi during a meal before moving on to the next. The spice is widely known to have therapeutic effects, not least in aiding digestion, and is often prescribed by naturopaths to ward off seasickness. It is also thought to protect against respiratory illnesses and colds, as well as to ease flatulence and gripe. Chewing on ginger can relieve toothache. A pilot study showed ginger could relieve the symptoms of Raynaud's disease, which causes painful numbing of the fingers and toes.

Soy sauce and Tofu:
Made from fermented soya beans, soy sauce is widely used in Japanese cooking. However, it has a very high salt content and should be avoided by anyone with high blood pressure or who has been told to have a low-sodium diet.
There are some definite benefits linked to a higher consumption of foods rich in soya.
It's thought that they protect against cancer, cardiovascular disease, premenstrual syndrome and even osteoporosis. But it's better to get the soya from milk or tofu.

Avocado:

This superfood is a nutritional powerhouse, choc full of many healthy minerals.The combination of B6, C and D, riboflavin and manganese found in avocados helps maintain a strong immune system. They are also a good source of vitamins A and E, which help protect against cancer. Avocados are high in omega-3, which reduces the risk of heart disease and lecithin, a type of fatty acid crucial for healthy nervous tissue.

Oh and don't let the chilly winter weather sway you either, Come into Zuri and experience beautiful, fresh, healthy food all the while enjoying the social vibe and warmth of our designer surroundings and plush lounges.
Z xx