Society

Wasabi, a favourite sushi sidepiece, has potential memory-boosting properties: Study

Dec 06 (WION) - The famed Japanese condiment, wasabi, generally served with sushi, is more than just a spicy green paste. Researchers in Japan found that the traditional spice is quite beneficial in improving memory.

Wasabi is already known for its health benefits, but it is the first time that the traditional Japanese spice is known to have benefit on both short- and long-term memory.

The study on wasabi as a possible memory booster took place at Tohoku University. The research was led by Rui Nouchi, who is an associate professor at the school’s Institute of Development, Ageing and Cancer.

The main active component present in wasabi is a biochemical called 6-MSITC, which makes all the difference. It is a known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory which exists in only trace amounts in other plants, said Nouchi. The research showed that 6-MSITC helped in enhancing neural plasticity, hence boosting memory. ...continue reading

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