Josh's Blog

Sushi, Seaweed and Microbes

Just read this announcement reporting the discovery of a seaweed-digesting enzyme in the intestinal bacteria of some Japanese people. An avid sushi eater, I thought this interesting. The article points out this phenomenon is not likely to occur in non-Japanese sushi eaters, as the seaweed must be fresh and eaten in large quantities (drat), but still interesting.

While on the subject of fish, it’s important to note that mercury is a growing concern for sushi eaters—especially for those who like to eat tuna (which I now avoid). If you must eat tuna, I suggest you drink some green tea with it, as this article points out. Phytochemical-rich drinks like green tea and black tea can decrease the bioaccessibility of mercury in your sushi. So order your green tea at the beginning of your meal and sip it while eating your sushi. Kanpai!

Posted by ExplorerJosh on 04/08 at 10:23 AM

1. Hi Josh,
              
     It must be an acquired taste. I only eat my vegetables and fruits raw. But I suppose if I were trapped in the woods with nothing to eat, by a stream salmon going to spawn, I would have to try it.
   Francis

   Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 04/08 at 12:11 PM

2. Makes me wonder if perhaps the gene that contains the enzyme is a transposon (jumping gene)?  Regardless, it definitely supports the statement, “you are what you eat!”

   Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 04/09 at 10:41 PM

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