Is Ceviche Healthy? - The Rusty Spoon

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Yes, ceviche is very healthy. The high protein and low fat composition of ceviche makes it a highly nutritious food option.

Omega-3 fatty acids, which are abundant in fish, have been found to boost moods, lower blood pressure, and reduce inflammation (which can cause heart disease).

You always think of Sushi, sashimi, and most importantly, Japanese food whenever you hear about a meal with raw fish, don’t you?

Another well-known raw fish meal is popular in another part of the world due to its flavor and nutritional worth – ceviche.

Today, North America and Latin America both enjoy this Peruvian delicacy. However, because it isn’t as well recognised, many people wonder if ceviche is healthy.

It is, in essence, a very healthy choice of food and a great way to increase your intake of fish.

Ceviche is not, however, a modern dish. It has existed for a very long time. Raw fish cured in lime or lemon juice is the only ingredient in ceviche.

Additionally, fish is a great protein source for the body. Let’s get into the specifics now, shall we?

What Is Ceviche Made From?

The raw fish is often marinated in lime juice before being made into ceviche. Chili peppers and onions are also sometimes used in the concoction.

Additionally, the meal must marinade for a long time or overnight. Citrus’s acidic content helps the fish cook while also giving it more taste.

The main ingredients are: Salt, pepper, onion, olive oil, lime juice, raw fish, and red wine vinegar.

How To Choose The Right Fish For Ceviche

For a fresh, scrumptious, and nourishing ceviche, it starts with top-notch seafood. Undoubtedly, there are many different fish and shellfish options available.

However, make sure the fish you select has delicate flesh and comes from fresh or saltwater. It shouldn’t smell like raw fish and ought to have a distinctive brine aroma.

Tilapia, Mahi Mahi, Cod, Sea Bass, Snapper, Fluke, Flounder, Cobia, Grouper, Shrimp, Prawns, Lobster, Octopus, Scallops etc. are some fish and shellfish to use in your ceviche.

Avoid choosing fatty, oily fish such as sardines, bluefish, salmon, shark and any type of farmed fish.

Why Is Ceviche Healthy?

Since raw seafood is used to make ceviche, it is a dish high in protein. However, this dish also contains significant amounts of cholesterol.

Therefore, it shouldn’t be consumed in excess. Additionally, many people must avoid ceviche because of their shellfish allergies.

Ceviche’s nutritional value is influenced by the cooking process. Ceviche is a nutritious food since it has a lot of protein, enough calories, and little fat.

Omega fatty acids are abundant in it. These fatty acids improve mood, lower blood pressure, and lessen inflammation, which can cause heart disease.

This appetizer is a wonderful way to get any evening off to a good start.

A high-protein cuisine like ceviche may help you feel fuller for longer. Ceviche contains fewer calories than a lot of other seafood varieties.

How Is Ceviche Eaten?

Ceviche is a cuisine that’s become more and more well-known, despite the fact that you might not be acquainted with it.

This dish, which uses the freshest seafood, is tasty and nutritious.

Ceviche’s signature flavor comes from fresh fish or shellfish that has been “cooked” by being submerged in citrus juice, which softens and tenderizes the flesh proteins.

Ceviche comes in a number of variations, including appetizer, entrée, side dish, and beverage.

It may be served as “Tostada de Ceviche” with tortillas. It looks wonderful and tastes delicious.

Advantages Of Ceviche

Ceviche has various benefits, including the following:

Fish is the main component of ceviche. It maintains blood counts, blood cholesterol, and brain function.
Additional fruits and vegetables, like fresh lemons and peppers, have health benefits as well.
It is vitamin C-rich.
It is a potent antioxidant that eliminates infections and cancer cells.
Ceviche is a nutritious substitute for controlling your weight. You can add ginger and maize, both of which aid with weight control.
If you serve ceviche with potatoes, you’ll get vitamins A, B12, C, fibre, beta-carotene, manganese, and potassium.

Disadvantages Of Ceviche

Like most things, ceviche has its drawbacks. Keep these things in mind if you want to maximize the health benefits of ceviche.

Raw seafood should absolutely not be consumed when pregnant. It is also advised to not consume raw meat and seafood if you have immune system or liver problems.

Ceviche typically contains extra calories via side dishes or sauces. For example, ceviche from Peru is often served with roasted corn and sweet potatoes as a side dish.

Sweet potatoes have 158 calories per cup when cooked, while corn on the cob has 58 calories per cup when boiled.

Excessive additions of these sauces and side dishes can turn a healthy dish unhealthy.

Salmonella poisoning and other food-borne illnesses can be contracted via ceviche.

Why does this occur? Because uncooked fish is used to make ceviche, which is then marinated in vinegar or lemon juice for a lengthy time.

It is advised that you speak with your doctor before consuming ceviche.

Consuming ceviche with fatty seafood like salmon or bluefish can be a major obstacle if you’re trying to lose weight.

The calories in such fatty fish, certain shellfish, and shrimp are substantial – so it may be wise to consider which type of fish you use for ceviche if you are trying to lose weight.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully this article has helped you to decide whether you should incorporate ceviche into your diet.

Ceviche can be an excellent healthy food option for those trying to control their weight, eat more fish, and live a healthier lifestyle.

Make sure you consider the drawbacks of ceviche too such as when it is served with multiple side dishes and the type of fish used to make it.

Also, pregnant women and those with compromised immune systems should avoid consuming raw fish.

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Jess Smith

Hi, my name is Jess Smith, and I love cooking in my spare time. Around three years ago, I decided to give up my day job as a teacher to pursue my passion for food. While I have enjoyed sharing tips and tricks on Social Media, I have decided to expand my horizons through this blog.

Through this blog I hope to help others learn the basics and more intricate details of cooking. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to cook a meal, only to realize you are missing one ingredient from your list. This is why I love to write articles chatting readers through some great substitutes that can be used in an emergency.

I hope you will find this blog useful, and that it will help you to develop your culinary skills, to help you cook up a storm!