Wasabi – The Japanese Remedy

Wasabi or the Japanese horseradish is a plant that has a very strong taste and it’s related to horseradish and cabbages. The spicy taste of the wasabi can be compared with the hot mustard and, for this reason, it is most often utilized as a condiment. Some people think of wasabi as being extremely invigorating. Besides these aspects, the wasabi also has powerful health benefits, containing energy, proteins and fiber. This plant is rich in vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin A, thiamin, folate, niacin and riboflavin. When it comes to minerals, wasabi contains zinc, calcium, sodium, iron, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. Finally, the wasabi has low cholesterol levels and it’s rich in isothiocyanates and other antioxidants. Include wasabi in your diet and it can offer you the following health benefits:

Fights Inflammation and Arthritis

We already know that wasabi is a pungent plant. The compounds that offer its pungent taste are also capable of reducing the arthritis, the inflammation and the joint swelling. The isothiocyanate, the antioxidant in the plant, diminishes the inflammation of the muscles, ligaments and joints and provides relief from joint pain. A specific study has shown that wasabi can also reduce the chances of developing osteoporosis by maintaining the bone integrity.

Combats Respiratory Conditions

Wasabi can be a strong shield against the respiratory diseases. This plant is able to free the sinuses and the nasal passages thanks to the allyl isothiocyanate component that stops the development of various respiratory tract pathogens, including those leading to pneumonia and influenza. The strong sensation and smell of wasabi will definitely decongest your nose and help you breathe better. The gaseous component of the plant will also clear the sinuses, being an efficient remedy for the common cold or for seasonal allergies.

Prevents Bacterial Infections

Wasabil also has antibacterial effects and can fight against Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli. Thus, you will be able to prevent food poisoning and other conditions caused by bacteria by simply consuming more wasabi. The deadly bacteria are killed by the isothiocyanates in the wasabi. Nowadays, there are numerous companies that have boost the effectiveness and strength of the antibacterial gels and creams with wasabi extracts.

Heart Problems

If you want to prevent the cardiovascular issues, then you should add wasabi to your diet. This plant features anti- hypercholesterolemic qualities and can reduce the high cholesterol levels, reducing the risks of heart attacks and strokes. At the same time, the isothiocyanates will inhibit the platelet aggregation that causes the blood clots. Most of the cardiovascular diseases are caused by these clots, so by consuming wasabi, you can effectively break them down.

Prevents Cancer

The isothiocyanates in the wasabi are powerful antioxidants that are able to fight against the free radicals and prevent or treat cancer. The 6-MITC, an isothiocyanate in the wasabi, was found to eliminate the stomach cancer and leukemia cells. In just 24 hours after the consumption, the wasabi can promote the cancer cells death. The plant can also prevent the development of tumors at pre-treatment and pre-clinical size. Even though the isothiocyanates kills the cancer cells, they will not damage the healthy cells.