The Superfood Wasabi; A Gateway To Potential Cures
By Rebeca Funes
Wasabi, a beloved topping on sushi, has proven to show remarkable benefits on the brain. Wasabia japonica is a plant known for rhizomes, horizontal plant stems that grow from it, which are then ground up into a green thick paste. Wasabi is a popular condiment in sushi and sashimi dishes however it has also been used for its medicinal properties.
Wasabi has been consumed for centuries and has shown a multitude of benefits with anti-inflammation, cancer prevention, improvement of cognitive functions, etc. The key to these extraordinary properties is the presence of certain compounds called isothiocyanates, more specifically the presence of 6-methylsulfinyl hexyl isothiocyanate (6-MSITC).
Isothiocyanates are sulfur-containing compounds that are usually found in vegetables like kale or broccoli. These compounds produce the pungent smell when these types of vegetables are cut or chopped, however they carry anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties that can be extremely beneficial to one’s health.
With the presence of these compounds and 6-MSITC in wasabi, eating it in small amounts can greatly reduce inflammation within the body and brain while helping fight bacteria. This protects the cells in your body from damage over time.
Additionally, studies show that there is a possibility that this may happen due to the compounds blocking the pathways that trigger the release of inflammatory chemicals, this can overall reduce the risks for heart disease and diabetes that are associated with inflammation.
However, consuming excessive amounts of wasabi can be harmful, often associated with an increased risk of bruising and bleeding in those with bleeding disorders. It is also important to note that although these studies on wasabi do seem promising, further research on humans is required to conclusively prove it.
“I wouldn’t eat wasabi on the regular, even knowing the benefits. I can’t do spiciness at all and wouldn’t just end up vomiting it back up. That’s happened before, to my cousin actually,” said sophomore Brisa Baez.
6-MSITC has also shown incredible anti-cancer fighting properties. 6-MSITC is crucial in the regulation of various cell processes, more specifically those associated with cancer development. Research done by PubMed/Medline in July 31, 2024 on wasabi and its special compound on breast cancer, stomach cancer, cancer cell lines, and metastasis (when cancer cells break off the original tumor and seep into the bloodstream) showed promising results.
The studies on breast cancer, stomach cancer, and metastasis concluded that the compounds in wasabi, especially 6-MSITC and allyl isothiocyanates, suppressed and inhibited the growth of these tumors. The study on cancer cell lines, which are cancer cells that can be grown in a controlled laboratory environment for research, showed that 6-MSITC regulated the inflammatory response in these cells and hindered its progression.
“Yes, I do think that wasabi would be beneficial for cancer patients. Real wasabi is actually proven to have health benefits, however I don’t think it will cure chronic illnesses. Perhaps in the future certain compounds within wasabi will be further studied, and maybe then could wasabi become a fool-proof cancer treatment,” said Steingrimur Hermannsson, a father and wasabi enthusiast.
Additionally, recent studies conducted in Japan by researchers at Tohoku University have also found that wasabi can have amazing neurological benefits. The study was led by Rui Nouchi who was an associate professor in the school’s Institute of Development, Aging, and Cancer.
Participants ranging in ages 60-80 consumed a dose of 100 milligrams of wasabi everyday for three months. Through this study, researchers saw an 18% increase in memory for the subjects and an improvement of episodic memory according to CBS News. Episodic memory is a type of long-term memory that has to do with the recollection of personal experiences and events.
Not only do these findings help show that wasabi can improve memory but it can potentially signify a major contribution to research regarding neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer. Since 6-MSITC and ally isothiocyanate reduce inflammation in the body, more specifically the brain, it blocks the compounds that drive Alzheimer’s disease and can help regulate Parkiston’s disease.
All in all wasabi has shown to be promising in the future for a person’s overall health. These neuroprotective and antioxidant properties show that wasabi can potentially help preserve long-term brain health and lower the risk of age-related cognitive issues. The findings also indicate a possible prevention and regulation for different types of cancers such as breast cancer. With wasabi, research on cancers, Alzheimer, and Parkinson’s can be closer to its goal of finding a cure and saving hundreds.
