Sushi can mean a few different things, but mostly it means raw fish, and you can’t get more Paleo than that. When we think of sushi, most of us think of fish and maybe some vegetables rolled in rice and seaweed. The Paleo-friendly status of that dish is a little less certain, due to the rice, but it can be included depending on your tolerance.
Types of Sushi
Nigiri is a slice of raw fish placed on a bed of rice, while sashimi is just raw fish served by itself (sashimi is the most Paleo-friendly option).
The Risks
Any time you consume raw fish, there’s a risk of dangerous bacteria or parasites. The best way to avoid this is to choose a reputable sushi restaurant, or if you’re making your own, choose fish labeled “sushi grade”. When dining out, be sure to ask the chef or your server what’s fresh. They’ll always be able to steer you in the right direction.
The Benefits
We already know cooked fish is healthy and eating raw fish conveys most of the same benefits as raw fish, including protein, omega-3 fats, selenium, iodine, magnesium, phosphorous, and various B vitamins.
Mark Sisson even labeled sashimi as a smart fuel.
