When we age, it is not uncommon for some of us to gradually lose our memory, sometimes to the point of suffering from serious disorders, even dementia. This is because cognitive functions decline with age. And no one escapes it. However, it is possible to maintain your brain, by exercising it regularly with memory and concentration exercises, for example.
In addition to this, our diet could also play a role in our long and short term memory. Chocolate, eggs, fatty fish, oysters, red fruits, coffee, nuts, broccoli and starchy foods are, for example, known to boost our cognitive abilities. But they are not the only ones.
Wasabi slows down brain aging
According to a study carried out by Japanese researchers and published on October 30, 2023 in the scientific journal Nutrientswasabi may actually improve certain types of cognitive functions, especially in people over the age of 60, reports Science Ages.
If this traditional Japanese spice has such a positive impact on our brain, it is thanks to its main ingredient, 6 methylsulfinyl hexyl isothiocyanate (6-MSITC). This bioactive compound is in fact associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects which protect and slow down the damage suffered by cells.
Superior episodic memory among wasabi lovers
To reach this conclusion, the team of researchers conducted a trial on 72 healthy adults aged over 60. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: the first took a wasabi tablet once a day, while the second took a placebo tablet. And this, for twelve weeks. At the end of the experiment, the people underwent a series of cognitive tests.
Those who had ingested the tablets wasabi presented significantly superior results. Their episodic memory (memories of past events) and working memory (temporary retention of information) were particularly better than those of the others. However, no significant differences were found in other areas of cognitive function, including reasoning, attention and information processing speed.
A proven effect on the hippocampus
Researchers therefore believe that wasabi and 6-MSITC could have a particular effect on the seahorsean area of the brain particularly important for memory function. Despite these limitations, the study confirms a clear link between wasabi and better memory functioning.
To maintain a healthy brain for as long as possible, choosing the foods we eat carefully, that is to say those that are good for our body and our brain, is essential, according to experts. “Older adults with lower cognitive performance experience difficulty in daily activities such as shopping, banking and cooking”they wrote in their report, before concluding: “It is therefore important to improve cognitive functions in them”. You will have understood, eat wasabi!
