How wasabi can improve memory in older people: study
A study reveals that hexaraphane, a component of wasabi, significantly improves memory in older adults. The discovery opens the possibility of developing products that use the health benefits of wasabi.
In an exciting scientific development, researchers from Tohoku University and Japanese food manufacturer Kinjirushi Co. have discovered that wasabi, known for its use in Japanese cuisine, could have surprising benefits for people’s memory and cognitive abilities. greater.
The study focused on a specific component of wasabi, hexaraphane, which is found in small amounts in the roots and rhizomes of the plant. This compound is a type of mustard oil, it was already known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on the body.
The research sought to determine whether hexaraphane also had a positive impact on the cognitive function of healthy adults aged 60 years and older. In total, 72 healthy adults between 60 and 80 years old participated in the study, divided into two groups.
One group took 0.8 milligrams of hexaraphane daily as a supplement, equivalent to 5 grams of wasabi rhizome, for 12 weeks. Meanwhile, the other group received a placebo. Cognitive tests conducted after the trial period revealed that the group taking the supplement showed significant improvement in their episodic and working memories compared to the group receiving the placebo.
Cognitive improvements were especially notable in areas such as the ability to process short conversations, perform simple calculations, and match names to faces. These results offer exciting hope for addressing memory problems associated with aging.
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The findings of the study were published on October 30 in the online edition of the European journal Nutrients, generating great interest in the scientific community and the general public.
Kinjirushi Co. expressed enthusiasm for the results and announced that it is exploring the possibility of using this discovery to develop new products aimed at improving memory in older adults.
An official from the Nagoya-based company commented: “With an aging global population, we aim to use the health benefits of wasabi to improve the healthy life expectancy and well-being of older people.”
This discovery could have significant implications in the search for solutions to improve cognitive health in an increasingly aging global population. The possibility of using wasabi as a natural resource to address memory problems offers an exciting prospect for the development of interventions and products that could make a difference in the quality of life of older people.
As research continues, wasabi could become a key element in the fight against age-related cognitive decline. The science behind this traditional Japanese condiment is proving to be much more than just an accompaniment to sushi and could become a valuable tool for promoting brain health and well-being in older people.
