5 Health Benefits of Wasabi

Served grated or in the form of paste, wasabi is the pungent root that adds spice to sushi. The lovers of wasabi now have good news. They get to enjoy surprising health and beauty benefits that are deprived from those who despise this miraculous product. Right from reducing the risk of cancer and heart diseases, wasabi also has anti-inflammatory properties and fights against bacterial infections. Apart from these, wasabi delays the signs of ageing and helps in making you look young and beautiful. Rich in plethora of antioxidants, wasabi boosts the immune system and removes harmful toxins from your body. The list of wasabi’s benefits does not end here. The strong smell and taste of wasabi resemble that of hot mustard and is typically used as a condiment. Here are some of the many health benefits of consuming wasbi:

Prevents food poisoning: Do you know why wasabi is eaten with Sushi? The spicy wasabi complements the mild flavors of rice and raw fish perfectly. Allyl isothiocyanate in wasabi combats the potential food bugs that could be present in raw fish and makes it ideal for consumption. Moreover, it prevents the chances of food poisoning by neutralizing mold spores in the food. This means you reduce the chances of an upset stomach later if you are eating sushi now.

Anti-ageing properties: When wasabi is grated it releases a powerful antioxidant called sulfinyl that prevents signs of ageing. Wasabi lowers reactive oxygen in the body and also fights against cancer. It also reduces the general wear and tear of the body that occurs due to the natural ageing process.

Fights against cancer: Not only does it help in keeping you young, wasabi also fights certain types of cancer. 6-MSITC present in wasabi has anti-inflammatory properties that can fight against cancer and reduce the risk of the disease.

Improves heart health: The same compound prevents platelets aggregation and stops them from clumping into blood clots. By preventing blood clots, 6-MSITC reduces the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The circulatory effects of wasabi improve the overall cardiovascular health and helps in keeping the skin clean and clear.

Fights common cold and flu: Suffering from cold or flu? Eating a big lump of wasabi may help. The release of allyl isothiocyanate fights against bacteria and flu causing pathogens. The antibacterial properties of wasabi help in clearing blocked sinuses and in keeping the respiratory tract clear.