Wasabi – Japanese horseradish with a very spicy taste – is necessary to prepare sushi and sashimi. Few people know, however, that this perennial has anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties, regulates digestion and helps protect against cancer.
- Wasabi – characteristics
Wasabi is widely used in Japanese cuisine. It belongs to the cabbage family; it’s grown in special terrace plots since the 18th century. Wasabi was already known in Japan in the era of Nara (710-793) as a medical herb and as an antidote for food poisoning. The literature shows that it can protect against asthma and shows antibiotic-like properties. For hundreds of years, wasabi was considered a good germicide and fungicide; hence they were added to sushi.
- Wasabi – digestive system
Japanese horseradish stimulates the secretion of digestive juices. Its use is recommended with indigestion. It cleanses the body of toxins in a natural way. It also contains dietary fibre; hence the spice is considered an effective remedy for constipation.
- Wasabi – bactericidal effect
Japanese horseradish is recommended to be consumed during an increased period of cold and flu. It has been proven that it has the ability to neutralize certain strains of bacteria, viruses and fungi. It copes well with Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that contributes to the development of stomach ulcers.
Eating wasabi also makes breathing easier. It helps clear the airways, and clears the nose and sinuses.
The properties of the wasabi are impressive. It’s also a real treasure trove of vitamins and minerals. It’s rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, sodium and magnesium.
You can also find nearly twenty different types of isothiocyanates (they are also a component of Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and kale) in wasabi, and these – as some researchers have argued – are able to inhibit the development of cancer. Isotiocyanates are responsible for the burning taste of Japanese horseradish.
- Wasabi – caries
There are also many sulphur compounds in wasabi that are able to inhibit the expansion of bacteria from the Streptococcus family. Somewhat more accurately, Dr. Hideki Masuda of Material Research and Development Laboratories at Ogawa & Co., Ltd. in Japan, who, together with his team, said that wasabi was able to prevent tooth decay. The results of research conducted in this field were presented at the International Chemical Congress.
Sulphur compounds, according to some researchers, are also supposed to prevent some types of cancer, to counteract bronchial asthma, as well as to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.
A freshly grated root of Japanese horseradish has the most pro-healthy qualities (123RF)
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