Wasabi has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. 
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Cognitive functions tend to deteriorate with age. and science continues to look for ways to mitigate or delay this process. Some tips for your well-being are physical exercise, enough rest and of course a good diet.
Certain foods are great allies for brain function. Now new research suggests there is a vegetable that can significantly improve memory in people over 60.
It is about wasabi, Famous as a sweet and spicy condiment that usually accompanies sushi. This vegetable, also called hot Japanese radish, contains a bioactive compound – 6-methylsulfinylhexyl isothiocyanate or 6-MSITC – known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
A team of researchers from Tohoku University set out to demonstrate this the positive effects of wasabi consumption on certain brain functions, such as episodic memory, processing speed, working memory and attention.
Twelve weeks of experimentation
To evaluate this, The team used 72 healthy volunteers aged 60 to 80. The participants were randomly divided into two groups. First, their cognitive functions were assessed before the start of the experimental period. Afterward, They were asked to take wasabi tablets before bed every day for 12 weeks.
One group received wasabi tablets containing 0.8 milligrams of 6-MSITC, while the other group received placebo tablets.
Wasabi accompanies many Japanese dishes, such as sushi.
Once the 3 month period has expired, The researchers reassessed cognitive functions, by analyzing participants’ mental processing speed, attention, short-term memory, working memory, episodic memory and executive functions.
Those who took wasabi tablets performed better on memory tests. Particularly in tasks of episodic memory (remembering sequences from the past), working memory (temporary storage of information), and memory association tasks such as matching names to faces, which is a common challenge in older adults. Over and beyond, They showed improvements in both short-term and long-term memory.
Reduced oxidation and inflammation levels
According to the research results, The hippocampus plays a fundamental role in the function of episodic memory and working memory. Researchers suspect that the compound 6-MSITC may work by attenuating neurological inflammation, protecting against oxidative damage to brain cells, and strengthening neuronal connectivity.
“6-MSITC is reported to reduce the amount of oxidants and inflammation in the hippocampus. Reducing oxidants and inflammation can protect the brain from damage and improve neuronal functions such as brain activity and neuronal plasticity in the hippocampus.” Taking 6-MSITC for 12 weeks would improve memory performance in older adults,” says the study published in Nutrients.
The researchers also noted that they found no evidence of significant improvements in areas such as reasoning, attention and processing speed.
Although further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and confirm these results, The study suggests that including wasabi in the diet could be a natural way to improve memory as we age.