A condiment commonly used alongside dishes such as sushi, sashimi, and soba, wasabi has been found to improve memory function in the elderly, according to Tohoku University.
Researchers say this is the first report of the active ingredient of wasabi's benefits to memory functions.
In the study, researchers administered 100mg capsules of wasabi containing 0.8mg of 6-MSITC to one random group and a placebo to another over a period of 12 weeks.
A series of cognitive tests conducted by a psychological examiner who was blinded to the research content, assessed processing speed, attention, short-term memory, working memory, episodic memory, executive function, and visual space.
The results showed that people who took wasabi supplements daily performed better on tests of working memory and episodic memory. Episodic memory is memory about events that one has experienced. The tests included a logical memory test and a test to remember the faces and names of people who often have problems with forgetfulness, and in both cases, those who took wasabi had better results.
In contrast, people in the control group who took a placebo showed no improvement in cognitive function on any of the tests. Additionally, there were no significant differences between the two groups in cognitive functions other than working memory and episodic memory.
6-MSITC contained in wasabi is known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory functions, and this action suppresses inflammation in the hippocampus, which is important for memory performance, reduces oxidants, and protects it from damage. Researchers believe that this may improve cognitive function.
Source: livedoor
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