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Wasabi is a root vegetable often ground into a paste and served as a sauce. What are the health benefits of wasabi? Cancer protection Wasabi is a rich source of chemicals known as isothiocyanates. These are the same anti-cancer chemicals found in broccoli and cabbage. These isothiocyanates appear to activate enzymes in the liver which detoxify cancer causing substances before they can do damage to the body. They also appear to interfere with other steps in the formation and metastasis of cancer cells. More importantly, they exert their anti-cancer effects without damaging normal cells. Anti-inflammatory effects The same isothiocyanates that give wasabi its cancer fighting capabilities also help to reduce inflammation by preventing platelet application. Researchers hope that wasabi may be used in the future to fight inflammation associated with such diseases as arthritis, asthma, and allergic reactions. More research is needed in this area. Reduction in heart disease and stroke risk Because wasabi inhibits platelet aggregation, it’s thought that it may reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke by preventing abnormal clot formation. Anti-bacterial effects Not only does wasabi appear to prevent inflammation, growth of tumors, and abnormal platelet clumping, it also has anti-bacterial properties. One study demonstrated its ability to stop the growth of certain strains of bacteria that cause food poisoning. So convincing is the evidence that companies have already started making wasabi based antibacterial hand washes. It’s also thought that wasabi can kill the bacteria that cause dental caries. Author: eyeopening |
