I’ve been reading a lot about the health benefits of sushi. There are some who claim that sushi is not a healthy choice and to an extent, they do make a valid point. Tempura rolls, rolls drenched in sugar filled and mayo based sauces and others stuffed with fatty meats and cream cheese, have a startling amount of calories in them. However traditional maki rolls, containing only rice, fish and vegetables, are great for those who are health conscious. Even with maki rolls some worry that consuming large quantities of fish containing mercury can be bad for the heart, but those worries can now be put to rest.

A new study appearing in the New England Journal of Medicine recently reported that mercury exposure from eating fish will not increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. The study, currently the largest of its kind, actually found the opposite to be true. Surprising some, participants in the study who had the highest exposure to mercury actually showed a slightly lower risk of heart attack and stroke. It is widely suggested this is due to the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish as compared to mercury itself. Also discredited by the study, was the idea that adults need to be concerned about neurological problems deriving from high levels of mercury. So go ahead, race down to your long island sushi restaurant and order some tuna rolls. I guess we can now say mercury concerns about fish are just an old wives’ tale.