Nori paper (sushi paper): its most important benefits and harms
If you are a fan of Asian dishes, you must have heard the name of nori paper or sushi paper, as you use it to prepare one of your favorite foods, but what you may not be aware of is the benefits of these leaves and their effect on your body. In this article, we provide you with all the information that you may need, so be sure to Follow us.
What is sushi paper?
Known as nori paper in English (Nori), it is one of the seaweeds, it is widely used in Japanese and Korean cuisine, and it is thin sheets that are used in preparing sushi, and some may use them for other purposes, as they may be divided into smaller parts in size and wrapped Rice or it may be used to garnish various dishes.
Ingredients for sushi paper
Nori leaf contains many nutrients that are beneficial to the body, the most important of which are iodine and vitamin B12, and it may contain some other elements as a seaweed such as:
- protein.
- carbohydrates.
- fiber.
- minerals.
- Saturated fat.
Benefits of sushi paper
This type of marine paper can have a significant impact on the health of the body, as it can increase the effectiveness of some body functions, as it can provide these elements:
1- Good for the thyroid gland
Each gram of these leaves contains 37 micrograms of iodine, and iodine is an important element for the thyroid gland, as it helps it perform its various functions, and this means preserving the body’s energy, as well as maintaining cell health and the body’s ability to grow.
2- It contains vitamins and minerals
Vitamins and minerals are important elements for the body, and help it perform its various functions. 4 grams of these leaves may contain 2.24 of vitamin B12, and this ratio is approximately equivalent to the daily needs of the body. It also contains a percentage of this vitamin K along with some important minerals such as sodium and iodine. and other elements such as fatty acids.
3- Health of nerves and muscles
The leaves contain a proportion of sodium, which is an important element for the health of muscles and nerves, as well as blood pressure, but it must be eaten in moderate quantities so as not to harm you.
Sushi paper also contains docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is a fatty acid that helps increase the health of the nervous system and brain.
4- Protection against blood clots
These leaves contain large amounts of vitamin K, which is an important vitamin for preventing blood clotting and protecting against some arterial clots.
Nori leaf is one of the seaweeds, and this means that it offers the same benefits as these herbs, as it helps:
- It may contain a number of antioxidants, which are important elements that protect body cells from damage.
- The fiber in it may help improve digestive functions.
- It may help lose weight, as the fiber in it can help increase the feeling of satiety.
- It may help lower blood sugar, as it may contain a number of important elements capable of protecting against diabetes and lowering blood sugar.
Nori leaf damage
Although the use of sushi leaves is usually considered very safe, the use of leaves in an excessive amount may cause some damages, which are:
1- It contains high amounts of sodium
Despite the benefits of sodium that we mentioned, and that one sheet of nori contains 3 mg of sodium, there are some leaves that contain a higher percentage than this, and it is known that these leaves are usually used with other high-sodium materials such as soy and rich food flavorings. With salt, this means the accumulation of sodium in the body with prolonged use.
And the accumulation of sodium in the body may lead to health problems such as kidney disease, heart failure, and cirrhosis of the liver. Remember that it is important to get 2300 mg of sodium per day, in order to take advantage of the benefits we mentioned, as exceeding this percentage may harm you.
2- It may contain a lot of iodine
Eating large amounts of iodine may lead to an imbalance in thyroid function, especially if you can eat sushi leaves on a daily basis, but this effect can be mitigated by eating these leaves in moderation, and eating them with foods that reduce iodine absorption such as cabbage and broccoli.
3- It may affect blood pressure medications
This acid may adversely affect blood pressure patients despite its benefits, as it can interfere with the effect of some pressure medications, because it works to lower blood pressure, and thus causes an increase in the effect of these drugs, and thus lowering blood pressure more than desirable.
4- It contains large amounts of vitamin K
Despite the benefits of vitamin K, taking it in large quantities may have an effect on some people, because taking it in large quantities may lead to an effect on blood-thinning drugs such as warfarin, and make them less effective, and thus the person who depends on blood thinners becomes more susceptible to clots. .
5- Arsenic poisoning
These leaves contain small amounts of arsenic, but using them frequently and for long periods may lead to arsenic poisoning.
Nori paper substitute
If you are looking for a seaweed substitute for nori, there are a number of options such as:
- wakame leaf.
- Kombu paper.
- Dulse herb.
- Kelp herb.
Now, at the end of our article about Nouri paper and its most important benefits, we remind you of the importance of eating it in moderation, in order to avoid the harm that may result from it, while we wish you all health and wellness.