Most people are familiar with the concept of acidic and alkaline foods. The terms refer to how these foods affect the pH levels in your body. But when it comes to sushi, there is some confusion about which category it falls into.
Is sushi acidic or alkaline? The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including what type of sushi you are eating and what ingredients are in it. Generally, sushi is considered to be a more acidic food because most of the basic ingredients in sushi are acidic.
In this article, we will find out if sushi is acidic or alkaline, the importance of knowing if sushi is acidic or alkaline, a recipe for alkaline sushi, and more.
Acidic or Alkaline: Why Does It Matter?
The pH scale is used to measure how acidic or alkaline a substance is. The scale ranges from 0-14, with 0 being the most acidic, 14 being the most alkaline, and pH levels can have an impact on your health in several ways.
For example, if your body’s pH level gets too low (acidic), you may experience fatigue, muscle weakness, and cramps. If your body’s pH level gets too high (alkaline), you may experience nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
There are a number of people who follow an alkaline diet for health reasons. These people need to be aware of the acidity levels of the foods they eat, as it can impact their health in a variety of ways.
If you are following an alkaline diet, it is important to know if sushi Is acidic or alkaline.
So, it is important to maintain a healthy balance of acidic and alkaline foods in your diet. This can be done by eating more alkaline-forming foods and less acid-forming foods.
LEARN MORE: Is Sushi Fast Food?
Fitting Sushi Into an Acidic or Alkaline Diet
The pH level of sushi is not as simple as classifying it as either acidic or alkaline. This is because the pH level of sushi can vary depending on the type of sushi you are eating and the ingredients in it.
Most types of sushi fall into the “acid-forming” category because the basic ingredients in sushi are acidic.
These ingredients include rice vinegar, soy sauce, and wasabi. However, there are also some alkaline-forming ingredients in sushi, such as some fish and vegetables.
So, if you are following an alkaline diet, you can still enjoy sushi by choosing types of sushi that contain more alkaline-forming substances.
Is Sushi Acidic?
Sushi is primarily made of vinegared sushi rice, seaweed sheets of nori, and fish, which are then dipped in soy sauce and topped with wasabi. The pH level of these basic ingredients are given below:
- Vinegar-based sushi rice: pH level of around 4.2 (acidic)
- Nori, or seaweed sheets: has a pH level of 9.0 (alkaline).
- Fish: pH levels vary depending on the type of fish, but most common fishes such as tuna, salmon, shrimp, crab, etc. are all mildly acidic, ranging from 5.2-6.5.
- Soy sauce: has a pH level of around 4.4-5.4(acidic)
- Wasabi: has a pH level of around 0.05(acidic).
Avocado is also highly used in sushi which is also acidic.
As you can see, the basic ingredients in sushi are all acidic. This is why sushi can be classified as an acid-forming food.
Some examples of acidic sushi are tekka maki, California roll, Philadelphia roll, shinko sushi, dynamite roll, etc.
Is Sushi Alkaline?
Some types of sushi, such as nigiri and maki, contain more alkaline-forming substances than others. This is because these types of sushi often contain vegetables and fish that are alkaline.
Sushi that consists of only vegetables or vegetables and alkaline fishes in them are usually the sushis that are alkaline. These sushis are not as common as the ones with acidic content.
So, in rare cases, sushi can be alkaline. For instance, kappa maki.
Sushi is not a bad food choice if you are looking to maintain a healthy diet.
However, it is important to be aware of the acidity levels in sushi so that you can make sure you are getting the right balance of acid and alkali.
LEARN MORE: Is Sushi Dairy Free?
Verdict: Is Sushi Acidic or Alkaline?
The scale for measuring pH goes from 0 to 14, with 0 being the most acidic and 14 being the most alkaline.
Sushi is a food that falls somewhere in the middle of this scale, but there is some debate about exactly where it falls.
The basic ingredients of any sushi roll consist of acidic contents like vinegared rice, fish, avocado, soy sauce, and wasabi.
Though there are alkaline contents such as nori, cucumbers, or other vegetables. But the main components, except for nori, are all acidic.
The frequency of alkaline ingredients used in sushi is less compared to the use of acidic ingredients. Even the rice in sushi is made more acidic by soaking it in vinegar so that it does not spoil quickly.
Therefore, sushi is typically acidic. But, that does not mean it is extremely acidic and cannot be eaten because of its acidity.
People who are on an alkaline diet, who have GERD, or other health issues with acidic foods cannot have sushi without altering the ingredients into less acidic or zero-acidic ones.
Others can definitely enjoy sushi without any hassles!
LEARN MORE: Is Nori Seaweed Vegetarian?
Recipe for Alkaline Sushi
Sushi lovers who are on an alkaline diet need not be disheartened, because there is a recipe for alkaline sushi which can be enjoyed by everybody.
Serves 4 people
Ingredients: 215g (1 cup) brown rice, 4 nori sheets, 1 ripe avocado( peeled and mashed), 1/2 cucumber( cut into thin strips), 1/2 red capsicum (deseeded and cut into thin strips), 1/3 cup coarsely grated carrot, Bragg Liquid Aminos (to serve)
Optional: red chili or chili flakes, and firm tofu.
Process:
- Cook the brown rice according to the package directions, then transfer to a large mixing bowl. Mash 1/4 avocado into the rice with a fork to give it the traditional sticky feel of Japanese sushi rice. This method is far more alkaline!
- All of the vegetables should be sliced, and if you’re using tofu, they should be quickly fried in coconut oil and a little Bragg Liquid Aminos (soy sauce replacement).
- Place a nori sheet on a clean surface, shiny side down. Spread one-quarter of the rice mixture over half of the nori sheet with wet hands, leaving a 2cm-wide border along the edge closest to you.
- Place a quarter of the remaining avocado in the center of the rice. Arrange a quarter of the capsicum and cucumber across the avocado, followed by a quarter of the grated carrot. Put the tofu in here as well if you’re using it.
- Roll tightly to enclose the filling. Warm water should be brushed around the edge of the nori to seal it. Repeat with the rest of the nori, rice, avocado, capsicum, cucumber, and carrot. Set the rolls, seam-side down, aside for 5 minutes to rest.
- Each roll should be cut into 6 pieces. Serve with Bragg and, and chilli (optional)!
Recipe Source: liveenergized.com
Conclusion
Confusion regarding the acidity and alkalinity of sushi must have been put to bed by now. Sushi is an acidic food, but that does not make it bad for you.
As long as you maintain a healthy balance of acidic and alkaline foods in your diet, you can enjoy sushi without any guilt!
Yet, if you are in doubt, alkaline sushi is a savior! This recipe is delicious and can be enjoyed by everyone, without any exceptions. So go ahead and enjoy some sushi, the healthy way!
