2023-12-15 12:36:42
【News Quest = Science Reporter Kim Hyeong-geun】 Researchers at Tohoku University in Japan have discovered that wasabi, an intense green condiment traditionally paired with sushi, can significantly improve both short-term and long-term memory.
Professor Rui Nouchi, lead researcher on the study and from the university’s Institute of Development, Aging, and Cancer, said: “Although drawn from a relatively small sample of subjects without pre-existing health conditions, the findings “It exceeded expectations,” he said.
“We knew from animal studies that wasabi provides health benefits,” said Professor Nouchi. But what really surprised us was the dramatic change. “The improvement was truly significant,” he said.
Researchers at Tohoku University in Japan have discovered that wasabi, an intense green condiment traditionally paired with sushi, can significantly improve both short-term and long-term memory. [사진=어스닷컴]
Tobei University, Japan, consuming wasabi for 3 months increased memory by 14%
The main active ingredient in Japanese wasabi is a biochemical compound called 6-MSITC. As Professor Nouchi pointed out, it is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which are rare in the plant world.
The research team divided 72 healthy participants between the ages of 60 and 80 into two groups. One group received 100 mg of wasabi extract at bedtime, and the other half received a placebo.
After three months, the group given wasabi extract showed significant improvements in two aspects of cognitive function: working (short-term) memory and more persistent episodic memory.
The research team measured these improvements through standardized assessments of language skills, concentration, and ability to perform simple tasks.
However, the researchers found no observable improvements in other cognitive areas, including inhibitory control (the ability to stay focused), executive function, or processing speed.
In subjects who received wasabi treatment, episodic memory scores increased by an average of 18%. The overall mean score was 14% higher than the placebo group.
The research team hypothesized that 6-MSITC may promote neuroplasticity by reducing levels of inflammation and oxidative stress within the hippocampus, a brain region responsible for memory function.
The research team reported, “Compared to the control group, the group administered wasabi not only improved verbal episodic memory ability, but also improved the ability to associate faces and names, a major memory-related problem in older adults.”
Higher anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects than ginger and turmeric… “Better for the elderly”
The spicy paste extracted from wasabi, a member of the mustard family, has been prized in Japan for centuries for its antibacterial properties, which are effective in combating foodborne pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. It also has a unique taste and aroma, so it goes well with seafood dishes.
Professor Nouchi, an expert in dementia prevention, chose wasabi as a treatment option along with existing methods to maintain cognitive health such as the Mediterranean diet, exercise therapy, and music therapy.
He determined that daily supplementation with wasibi may provide greater benefits than other anti-inflammatory and antioxidant spices such as ginger and turmeric, and may have more lasting effects, especially in older adults.
Authentic wasabi, native to Japan, is notoriously difficult to grow. The plants need almost two years to mature and require precise conditions related to temperature, shade, gravel composition and water quality.
Surprisingly, the cost of producing wasabi per pound can exceed that of the top-quality tuna that comes with it.
<세상을 보는 바른 눈 ‘뉴스퀘스트’>
1702669584
#Wasabi #sushi #companion #improves #memory #greater #effect #preventing #dementia
