Wasabia japonica has many different health benefits.
Most people regard Wasabi as just something they eat with Sushi. The truth is that wasabi has a number of health benefits to improve your life.
What is Wasabi?
Wasabi is a type of horseradish that’s been made famous by Japanese cuisine as a condiment that can really set your tastebuds on fire. And while its sharp bite is what you may remember from a handful of wasabi flavored roasted nuts or your last sushi meal, there’s more to the root than just its unmistakable flavor. The root is rich in fiber and has an abundance of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, iron, magnesium, sodium, and B vitamins, vitamin A and C, as well as folate.(1)
Wasabi is not the green stuff that you get with your sushi, that is a mixture of mustard and European horseradish with a number of other not so healthy things like artificial colours and flavours.
The health benefits we talk about below are gained by using the True Wasabi (Wasabia japonica) plant, either fresh or as a paste made from the rhizome powder.
Japanese horseradish or Wasabia japonica, better known as just wasabi, is that Japanese sushi fast food staple which has now nudged its way into bar snacks like wasabi peas. But this humble root has more to offer than just its sharp pungent taste and distinctive smell. With health benefits ranging from cholesterol lowering effects to antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, there are lots of reasons to introduce wasabi to your pantry.
Making the most of the Wasabi health benefits
Make the most of wasabi’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial action that can help you with joint inflammation, colds, and even asthma. Or give your digestive system that little fiber boost and stimulate its function with some True Wasabi. It could even help your body fight off a variety of cancers.
The hidden health benefits from eating True Wasabi
- Get Favorable Cholesterol Levels
- Build Cardiovascular Health
- Tackle Respiratory Problems
- Enjoy AntiBacterial Benefits
- Fight Cancer
- Improve Bone HEalth
- Reduce Weight
Get Favorable Cholesterol Levels
If you want to get your cholesterol in check, then the anti-hypercholesterolemic effects of True Wasabi are what you need.
Animal studies found that when rats with high levels of cholesterol were fed a diet that included True Wasabi rhizome (root), their good HDL cholesterol level went up significantly. Levels of bad LDL cholesterol dipped significantly too, indicating its anti-cholesterol activity. Consuming wasabi could, therefore, help with improving your cholesterol levels from bad to better.(2)
Build Cardiovascular Health
Among True Wasabi’s many benefits is its ability to prevent blood platelets sticking together and causing blood clots which can cause heart attacks and blockages in the cardiovascular system. In one study, researchers found that the isothiocyanates found in True Wasabi act immediately, unlike aspirin which needs about half an hour to take effect.(3)
Tackle Respiratory Problems
True Wasabi can be used to treat upper respiratory problems.(4) The gaseous allyl isothiocyanate in True Wasabi is responsible for its classic pungent smell and nasal tickling sensation. It is also antimicrobial.(5)
True Wasabi has traditionally been used to treat congestion and muscular pain as well as to ease clogged sinuses. Researchers also suggest that True Wasabi could exert an anti-inflammatory action that can fight asthma.(6)
Enjoy Antibacterial Benefits
True Wasabi is a natural antimicrobial, antibacterial, and antiviral agent. Infection by bacteria Helicobacter pylori has been found to produce problems like peptic ulcers, chronic gastritis, and even gastric cancer. All parts of True Wasabi have bactericidal properties that does act against Helicobacter pylori. Since nearly 90% of the worlds population has Helicobacter pylori in their stomachs and bowels, this is an important use for True Wasabi now and the future. Just this natural application could significantly reduce the number of cases of stomach and gastric cancers quickly.
With growing issues around antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, the need for non-antibiotic agents has become more critical than ever – and that’s where True Wasabi’s role becomes more important.(7)
Fighting Cancer
Wasabi contains a number of unique antioxidants called isothiocyanates that fight free radical damage and show definite anticancer potential.(8)
A number of research papers have found that 6-MITC, a phytochemical and unique isothiocyanate found only in True Wasabi, can cause cell death or apoptosis in human stomach cancer cells as well as in monoblastic leukemia cells.(9)
In vitro studies also found potential for the use of wasabi as an anticancer agent in breast and bladder cancer as well as melanomas.(10)
A number of other studies have shown that 6-MITC is also very effective in destroying a large range of cancers throughout the body. Taking True Wasabi capsules are useful as preventative as well.
Improve Bone Health
As you age, your bone density decreases. True Wasabi helps maintain bone integrity, slowing this loss of bone. With better bone health, you’re less susceptible to developing conditions like osteoporosis.(11)
Other research has also found that it can help reduce bone calcification, an abnormal accumulation of calcium in your bones.(12)
Wasabi can fortify your bones thanks to its rich calcium content. A 100 gm of wasabi contains about 128 mg of the mineral. Calcium is a vital nutrient for bone health and helps with maintaining bone function and structure.
True Wasabi's greatest benefit for bone health is that it increases the amount of calcium that bones can take up when you eat calcium rich foods.(12)
Fight Inflammation
True Wasabi has been used for treating inflamed joints and has anti-inflammatory properties.(13)
This makes it promising as a means to treat inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Combined with Turmeric makes this a very good natural option for reducing inflammation and pain for the arthritic sufferer.
Reduce Weight
True Wasabi could be a useful ally in your weight loss plan if incorporated alongside a healthy diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes normally suggested for weight loss. Among other things, True Wasabi works as a digestive stimulant.(14)
Because it is a very low-calorie food and has incredibly flavour, it can be used to improve the taste of a low-calorie, healthy, fibre-rich meal of steamed vegetables or lean protein. Plus, you’ll have the added benefit of the fibre in True Wasabi. This can go toward your fibre intake for the day, helping with digestion and bowel movements. Increased dietary fibre intake has also been linked to lower risk of obesity.(15)
Can you have too much of a good thing?
With True Wasabi the answer is no. Apart from the problems that some people have from the reactions below, there is no documented cases of anything relating to adverse reactions to the use of True Wasabi in your diet or as a supplement.
More commonly, consuming too much in one go or inhaling the strong fumes from it can cause an immediate burning sensation that may leave your nasal passages reeling (the nasal shock). Those who are allergic to Mustard may also experience side effects from this allergy like digestive problems, swollen airways etc. So be sure to check before consuming True Wasabi, especially if you are pregnant and/or allergic to Mustard.
It should be noted that the fake wasabi, which is all that is available on the market, contain mustard without always declaring it on their labels. Get a free copy of the Wasabi List to check that you are getting the True Wasabi instead of a fake version which has no redeeming features.
Also take care to get the True Wasabi. It is a fact that 99% of all products sold as Wasabi or containing Wasabi contain NO True Wasabi. See the Wasabi List for more details on 70+ "wasabi" products.
These products use horseradish and mustard with various colouring that do not have the same health benefits. They’re simply flavored to taste like True Wasabi. If you can, get the fresh rhizome and grating it for each meal as a flavoring agent in your cooking to boost your health.
Alternatively, get your 100% Pure Wasabia japonica powder from us.
You can purchase 100% Pure Wasabia japonica rhizome powder here. This powder is freeze dried to retain all the ITC content and contains no additives.
Fighting Cancer
Wasabi contains a number of unique antioxidants called isothiocyanates that fight free radical damage and show definite anticancer potential.(8)
A number of research papers have found that 6-MITC, a phytochemical and unique isothiocyanate found only in True Wasabi, can cause cell death or apoptosis in human stomach cancer cells as well as in monoblastic leukemia cells.(9)
In vitro studies also found potential for the use of wasabi as an anticancer agent in breast and bladder cancer as well as melanomas.(10)
A number of other studies have shown that 6-MITC is also very effective in destroying a large range of cancers throughout the body. Taking True Wasabi capsules are useful as preventative as well.
Improve Bone Health
As you age, your bone density decreases. True Wasabi helps maintain bone integrity, slowing this loss of bone. With better bone health, you’re less susceptible to developing conditions like osteoporosis.(11)
Other research has also found that it can help reduce bone calcification, an abnormal accumulation of calcium in your bones.(12)
Wasabi can fortify your bones thanks to its rich calcium content. A 100 gm of wasabi contains about 128 mg of the mineral. Calcium is a vital nutrient for bone health and helps with maintaining bone function and structure.
True Wasabi's greatest benefit for bone health is that it increases the amount of calcium that bones can take up when you eat calcium rich foods.(12)
Fight Inflammation
True Wasabi has been used for treating inflamed joints and has anti-inflammatory properties.(13)
This makes it promising as a means to treat inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Combined with Turmeric makes this a very good natural option for reducing inflammation and pain for the arthritic sufferer.
Reduce Weight
True Wasabi could be a useful ally in your weight loss plan if incorporated alongside a healthy diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes normally suggested for weight loss. Among other things, True Wasabi works as a digestive stimulant.(14)
Because it is a very low-calorie food and has incredibly flavour, it can be used to improve the taste of a low-calorie, healthy, fibre-rich meal of steamed vegetables or lean protein. Plus, you’ll have the added benefit of the fibre in True Wasabi. This can go toward your fibre intake for the day, helping with digestion and bowel movements. Increased dietary fibre intake has also been linked to lower risk of obesity.(15)
Can you have too much of a good thing?
With True Wasabi the answer is no. Apart from the problems that some people have from the reactions below, there is no documented cases of anything relating to adverse reactions to the use of True Wasabi in your diet or as a supplement.
More commonly, consuming too much in one go or inhaling the strong fumes from it can cause an immediate burning sensation that may leave your nasal passages reeling (the nasal shock). Those who are allergic to Mustard may also experience side effects from this allergy like digestive problems, swollen airways etc. So be sure to check before consuming True Wasabi, especially if you are pregnant and/or allergic to Mustard.
It should be noted that the fake wasabi, which is all that is available on the market, contain mustard without always declaring it on their labels. Get a free copy of the Wasabi List to check that you are getting the True Wasabi instead of a fake version which has no redeeming features.
Also take care to get the True Wasabi. It is a fact that 99% of all products sold as Wasabi or containing Wasabi contain NO True Wasabi. See the Wasabi List for more details on 70+ "wasabi" products.
These products use horseradish and mustard with various colouring that do not have the same health benefits. They’re simply flavored to taste like True Wasabi. If you can, get the fresh rhizome and grating it for each meal as a flavoring agent in your cooking to boost your health.
Alternatively, get your 100% Pure Wasabia japonica powder from us.
You can purchase 100% Pure Wasabia japonica rhizome powder here. This powder is freeze dried to retain all the ITC content and contains no additives.
You can purchase 100% Pure Wasabia japonica rhizome powder here. This powder is freeze dried to retain all the ITC content and contains no additives.
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