Wasabi has been proven to boost memory and brain function in seniors

Since the first restaurants serving sushi appeared in the US, Americans grew to love Japanese cuisine so much. As a result, today, many of us can't imagine not tasting it from time to time. And since that's the case, the vast majority of us come into contact with wasabi — a spicy, green paste used to season raw fish. It is this Japanese horseradish that is the subject of this article, or rather, its remarkable health-promoting properties.

What exactly is wasabi? It is Japanese horseradish from the mustard family, naturally found in Asia. Its cultivation is complex and requires adhering to many guidelines, which is why such places are still rare in Europe. Fortunately, in recent years, we have observed that this trend is starting to move in a positive direction. And why should we be happy about this?

The effect of wasabi on the human body turns out to be truly extraordinary. This is due to the high content of sinigrin, which is responsible for the spiciness in horseradish. Scientists have long suspected that this chemical compound has a positive impact, especially on brain function. Now, thanks to research, we know this for sure.

Research on the impact of wasabi on the human brain was published in the journal "Nutrients." The authors are scientists from Tohoku University. Their experiment involved examining the effect of wasabi on the minds of seniors. Seventy-two older people were invited; half of them were given wasabi extract for two weeks, while the rest received a placebo.

The study's results were indisputable. Among the seniors who consumed wasabi extract, a significant improvement in concentration and memory was discovered. The study's authors explained that this is the effect of the positive influence of substances contained in wasabi on the hippocampus — the part of the brain responsible for memories, declarative memory, and spatial memory. The conclusions are clear: wasabi is one of the products that older people should reach for!