Several health benefits are attributed to wasabi. Known as Japanese horseradish, this cruciferous plant grows on the stream beds of mountain river valleys and in humid and shady woods of China, Korea, and North America. This Japanese condiment is noted for its hot, biting sensation and its bright green color. Some constituents responsible for the pungent taste, such as the isothiocyanates, may also confer some health benefits of wasabi. Sushi Inc. dives in and explains.
Wasabi Boasts Six Health Benefits
1. Antibacterial Properties
The major active ingredient, isothiocyanates, constitutes the main antibacterial property of wasabi, among other health benefits.
Foodborne Illness
Food poisoning is otherwise known as a foodborne disease. It is an infection of the digestive system that is caused by eating or drinking food and drink that may contain pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, or parasites.
The type of food poisoning to avoid based on storage needs includes foods and beverages that are capable of being stored improperly, cooked improperly, or cleaned improperly. Salt and certain spices tend to reduce the multiplication of bacteria that are responsible for food poisoning. Among these, the health benefits of wasabi are especially notable for its antibacterial properties. That said, no problems are created for most, as some 50% of the world’s population remains infected.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Action
Wasabi has some strong anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation occurs whenever your immune system protects or heals your body from infection, injury, or toxins such as cigarette smoke, pollution, etc.
Permanent uncontrolled inflammation would lead to inflammatory diseases like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, etc. However, the relevance of the anti-inflammatory effects with reference to humans remains unproven since no relevant studies have been conducted on humans.
3. May Stimulate Fat Loss
Production of fat cells might be suppressed by some compounds present in the edible leaves of wasabi plants. A study conducted on mice showed that 5-Hydroxyferulic Acid methyl Ester (5-HFA ester) isolated from leaves of wasabi shut down the expression of a gene used in fat production. In other words, in a 6-week-long experiment that involved consuming 1.8 grams of leaf extract per pound (or 4 grams per kilogram) every day, the fat cell growth was restrained.
Again, in another experiment, it was established that wasabi leaves were important in the prevention of weight gain in mice fed a high-fat and calorie diet, by inhibiting the production of fat from their tissues. These findings contribute to the growing interest in the health benefits of wasabi. Though encouraging, these results came from animal and in vitro studies. For people, the wasabi leaf extract needs safety testing. Further research will be required.
4. Might Have Anticancer Properties
The ITCs occurring naturally in wasabi were specially studied for their anticancer properties.
In one study, ITCs from wasabi roots inhibited the formation of acrylamide during the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction when proteins and sugars are heated.
Acrylamide may be produced in certain foods like French fries, coffee, and potato chips during the hot processing methods like frying or grilling. Some studies connected dietary acrylamide to increased risks of cancers, including endometrial and kidney cancers, the finding, however, was mixed.
ITCs and similar compounds isolated from wasabi have been shown in test tubes to either kill or inhibit human cancer cells, including colorectal and oral cancers and pancreatic and breast tumors. These results are encouraging, though their applicability to humans is still under question.
Some studies have shown that greater consumption of cruciferous vegetables, including wasabi, is correlated with a reduced risk for developing cancers such as prostate, lung, or bladder cancer.
Wasabi Possesses Further Health Benefits That May Impact the Brain and Bones
Wasabi May Aid With Joint and Bone Health
Animal studies reported that a wasabi-derived compound, p-hydroxycinnamic acid (HCA), stimulates bone formation and inhibits bone resorption. Researchers suspect HCA might support the treatment of Human trials are still needed to validate this potential benefit.
The Brain Health
Wasabi-derived ITCs might confer neuroprotective effects. Among the notable health benefits of wasabi, studies in mice showed the engagement of the antioxidant system in the brain, which apparently alleviates inflammation. It suggests ITCs might slow or prevent inflammation-mediated neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s.
Add it to Your Diet
Most of the wasabi paste and powder sold in America is blended from horseradish and cornstarch rather than real wasabi; true wasabi may be present in some products, but its quality may be inferior. Horseradish is closely related to wasabi and is famous for its sharpness.
Bottom Line
This part of the wasabi plant is made into a hot condiment to accompany sushi or noodles. The substances present in wasabi have been put to the test in cell and animal studies for possible antibacterial, antioxidant, or anticancer effects. Effects on weight management and health, particularly concerning the brain and bones, have also been investigated.
Their usefulness in making any conclusions about the health benefits of wasabi is, however, conditional on further clinical studies to validate them in humans.
Research has been predominantly conducted with wasabi extract, raising questions about the efficacy when used as a condiment or spice.
Do you want to elevate your standard dish to an out-of-this-world dish? Our wasabi isn’t merely about kicking; it is one of the most interesting wonder substances that could potentially have marvel-inducing capabilities. The health benefits of wasabi range from battling bacteria to decreasing inflammation, and even supporting the brain and your bones.
Come to Sushi Inc. today to enjoy some traditional health-enhancing spice. Your body (and taste buds) will thank you. Contact us today to make your reservation!
