First off, yes, raw fish (which is sometimes in sushi, while sometimes it’s cooked) is acidic. But it’s not to the point where it’s as acidic as certain fruits that can eat away at the enamel of your teeth. Nonetheless, any level of acidity has a chance of attacking your teeth and enamel.

The thing is, the benefits of sushi and all the nutrients it provides heavily outweighs any sort of supposed acidity that it may have.

But the real winner in sushi that directly benefits your dental health is a bit surprising. It’s not part of the sushi itself, truthfully. Rather, it’s an accompanying component that some people hate and some love: wasabi.

Wasabi is found to inhibit the bacteria that actually causes cavities. Basically, wasabi interferes with the adherence method that the cells have on teeth. By blocking that adherence method, the bacteria cannot cling to teeth as well, which can be a way to “ward off” cavities.

These same compounds actually cause wasabi to be pungent in both taste and smell, and they’re similar to the flavors you may notice in broccoli and cabbage. But not only do they help ward off cavities; these compounds in wasabi help to prevent cancer, prevent blood clots, and even have anti-asthmatic properties. Talk about a super “food”, right?

One of the other understated skills wasabi has in the waits is its antimicrobial nature. This helps a lot when paired with raw fish, for obvious reasons.

In case you weren’t aware, wasabi is actually a type of plant found in the same family as broccoli and cabbage. The stems are then ground down into a paste you’re all too familiar with, and it’s teeming with all of these healthy properties we’ve stated.

So, the next time you’re out for sushi with friends, make sure to finish your wasabi paste. It may be overpowering, but it’s amazingly good for your health, both overall health and dental health. And really, it helps to brighten up the flavors of fish and vegetables you may find in your sushi. If you’re a fan of sashimi, well, all the better for making sure to finish your wasabi. Raw fish, as we noted, is perfect to pair with wasabi for the antimicrobial properties it has as well as the cutting flavor it posseses.