Wasabi: Japanese plant improves cognitive function in older adults (Interesting Engineering)

[eppur_se_muova]

New study explored the impact of 6-MSITC from wasabi on working memory and episodic memory in older adults aged between 60 and 80.
Shubhangi Dua
Published: Dec 05, 2023 02:41 PM EST

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This plant, native to Japan, has been the subject of conversation in the science world. Recently, a study explored the impact of 6-MSITC from wasabi on cognitive functions in older adults aged between 60 and 80.
Exploring the effects of 6-MSITC

Researchers from Tohoku University in Japan investigated the effects of 6-MSITC, the main bioactive compound in wasabi, on cognitive functions, specifically focusing on working memory and episodic memory in older adults.
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They found that this 6-MSITC group showed significant improvements in working and episodic memory performances compared to the placebo group. However, there were no significant improvements in other cognitive domains assessed.

Additionally, wasabi significantly improved both short-term (working) and long-term (episodic) memory among healthy older adults aged 60 to 80.
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more: https://interestingengineering.com/health/wasabi-japanese-improves-cognitive-function
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/21/4608
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/6-(Methylsulfinyl)hexyl_isothiocyanate


ETA to add: I LOVE wasabi peas! Typical bar snack, meant to make you thirsty so you buy more beer or sake. I once bought a trail mix that had these in it and once I found out what they were, I tried them 'straight' and was hooked. Find them at oriental groceries, larger chain groceries, or even WalMart.

[no_hypocrisy]

1. I wonder if wasabi has any positive effects on gut health.

I read that brain function is one of several body operations connected to enzymes in the gut.

[bbernardini]

2. Ah, but what about the fake wasabi most Japanese restaurants (in the US, anyway) provide?

Does that do anything?

[eppur_se_muova]

4. Maybe it enhances fake cognition -- the MAGAt's best friend. nt

[3Hotdogs]

3. I'm 81 and could benefit from it.

Say the name of the plant, again?

[NJCher]

5. I grow wasabi microgreens

And put them in my salads. So easy to do, and can even do them in the winter in nj.

[tanyev]

6. That's a good idea. Are they less intense than wasabi paste?

[NJCher]

7. Yes, I'd say so

Have a fresh, jump out at you taste.

[Warpy]

8. My advice to cooks with adventurous palates

is to try to source the whole root and grate it up yourself. The powder being sold as wasabi in most places is domestic mustard powder with a little green coloring added. It's not bad tasting, it's just not wasabi.

I've had the real thing at a now defunct restaurant in Boston. It was my first taste of Japanese cuisine years ago, and the wasabi root was freshly grated and not smooth at all. It was there I learned that some fish is better raw.

ETA: Cool beans! There's mail order from the PNW, where I suppose it grows well. https://www.thewasabistore.com/shop/qce5g8s7fdyyhhs4i09qq242vz0z9r

[niyad]

9. And I already love wasabi.

[Kablooie]

10. Most wasabi in US sushi restaurants isn't real wasabi.

It’s made from horseradish.
But some do serve actual wasabi.
The sushi conveyor belt chain, Kura Sushi, is one.

[eppur_se_muova]

12. I see a lot of "wasabi" for sale whose primary ingredient is mustard.

https://www.amazon.com/live/video/0712a591990445e29462bb32c10fb89d?ref_=dp_vse_rvc_1

(OK, this is from a commercial interest, but still interesting ...)

[Maraya1969]

11. That makes sense. I love Wassabi and enjoy getting a mild/severe Wasabi buzz. It seems like it clears

out my head. And it doesn't burn down in my stomach so that I like also.

Sometimes I take leftover rice, heat it up and put butter and wasabi on it. (I love it!)