17 Reasons Science Says It's Not Your Fault You're Addicted To Sushi

If there's one thing everyone can agree on, I'd have to say it's probably a shared affinity for sushi. This meal is basically the universal go-to when your girlfriend can't figure out what she wants to eat and for a damn good reason.

You may think she has an unhealthy obsession, but according to science, you're only half right — she's actually addicted.

What is it about sushi that has us eating it non-stop? Well, according to biophysicist Ole Mouritsen, it's all about the fish's muscle makeup. Fish have a much softer and smoother texture when prepared raw and still maintain a light feel when cooked, unlike beef or chicken.

Poultry and red meat are much tougher on the jaw and require much more chewing. So naturally, you're more likely to gravitate toward smoother and easier-to-digest foods, aka the reason you and a friend have no issue splitting a multitude of rolls with each other.

Fish don't require as much physical activity as land animals do because their bodies are suspended in floating water, which makes their muscles much less rough.

Is the spicy tuna roll your go-to choice? Maybe that's because the tuna's belly (otoro) is exceptionally soft as it's the fish's laziest muscle. The lazier the muscle, the tastier it is! If only this applied to people, too.

1. It's the perfect pre-drinking meal

You know you have to eat before a night of heavy drinking or else you're just setting yourself up for disaster.

People may believe sushi will only increase your chances of getting sick, but if you really think about it, don't you want to begin your night with a light meal?

2. No matter how much you eat, you can always eat again in an hour.

Sure, you may be "full," but you know there's always more where that came from.

3. It actually makes you feel good about yourself.

You know that awful feeling of being uncomfortably full? You really don’t have to worry about that when it comes to sushi. Especially when your stomach just resets itself in an hour's time, see #3.

4. You always feel clean.

There really is no grosser feeling than what you feel after you consume a heavy meal like many other cuisines cough Mexican cough. After sushi, you can go straight out without wanting to give into a food coma beforehand.

5. It makes you appear cultured.

Oh you're a pro at using chopsticks? Congratulations, you can now trick everybody into thinking you're much more cultured than you really are.

6. You get full faster.

At least you mentally think you do, as using chopsticks forces you to slow your roll (yes, pun intended).

Eating slower will only make you fill up faster with less food. Although, just because you feel full momentarily doesn’t mean you can’t continue filling up.

7. It's relatively inexpensive, but...

Restaurants will take advantage of the fact that people are willing to pay for a high-quality dining atmosphere and will adjust their menus accordingly. Luckily for you, however…

8. You can always find a cheaper option.

Sure, this may mean hitting the local deli for a pre-packaged California roll, but once your sushi craving begins, there’s no going back.

9. You can be in and out of the restaurant in 30 minutes.

Raw food doesn’t even require cooking! They just roll it up at the bar et voilà! you’re good to go.

10. It's a fail-safe.

Sushi is like sex -- even when it’s bad, it’s still pretty good. You can’t go wrong with sushi, even if it’s not up to your typical standards. Also, food poisoning notwithstanding.

11. There's always a sushi spot on every corner.

I’m not sure which I see more on a daily basis: Starbucks or a sushi spot. Has it always been like this? Was there a turning point in the not so distant past?

12. There's something for everyone.

It doesn’t matter what your preference is when it comes to sushi -- there are no boundaries.

13. Your boyfriend won't hate you for making him eat it.

There’s no kale when it comes to sushi, so feel free to bring your man along. Enjoy and indulge in the feast that is about to commence because it's a choice both of you can agree on. And how often do you really do that?

14. It's socially acceptable to use your hands.

WOO!! Is there any better reaction to this than that? I didn’t think so.

15. It's another solid reason to drink.

As if you really needed another one, you now have sake. Ever been to an unlimited sushi and sake dinner? If you haven’t, you need to.

16. Sushi rolls don't equal stomach rolls.

Keep convincing yourself how healthy it is.

17. You really never want dessert.

You don’t want anything to erase that taste from your mouth! But you could probably do another few rolls, just give it about 20 minutes or so.