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It's easy to get answers about health and nutrition! Just send your question by email to [email protected] and Dr. Harlan will respond to selected questions of general interest. Answers will be posted in the Ask Dr. Gourmet newsletter (sign up now!) and archived in the Ask Dr. Gourmet section of the website.

Please note that the Ask Dr. Gourmet feature is restricted to questions regarding food and nutrition. Due to the many questions we receive, not all questions may be answered. For more specific questions about your individual health, please contact your doctor. About Timothy S. Harlan, MD, FACP, CCMS | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy

 


 

Ask Dr. Gourmet

Does sushi fit into a healthy eating plan?

I was wondering if (and how) sushi can fit into a healthy eating plan. It might be my only true weakness!

Dr. Gourmet Says...

Sushi roll of raw salmon and avocado

Sushi certainly has a place in a healthy diet. I eat sushi about once a week or so and it is well known that the Japanese have very low rates of heart disease.

As a physician, I caution my patients to make sure you know that the restaurant is a good one. I don't eat sushi at simply any restaurant. Cleanliness is important in all restaurants, but it's especially so in those serving raw fish: I have walked out of more than one sushi restaurant that did not appear clean. Likewise, a very busy restaurant is more likely to have very fresh fish.

Sushi is not a weakness - it is a strength. Enjoy!

Thanks for writing,

Timothy S. Harlan, MD, FACP, CCMS
Dr. Gourmet