What happens when over 70 seniors eat wasabi for 3 months? Check out CareYaya's video below to learn about wasabi’s amazing brain-boosting effects and a surprising fact about the wasabi you find at most restaurants!

The Memory Boosting Results

Turns out, these seniors were part of a study (recently published in Nutrients) researching 6-MSITC, a compound in wasabi. For 3 months, half the participants took 100mg of wasabi extract daily while the rest took a placebo.

Amazingly, the wasabi group showed a 10% increase in working memory and a 12% increase in episodic memory performance, surpassing the placebo group! These cognitive abilities are the vital skills that help us multitask and relive cherished moments. 

Researchers believe wasabi boosts brain health because 6-MSITC’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers reduce inflammation in the hippocampus –  brain’s memory center.

Hear Dr. Mallika Marshall talk more about this study on CBS Boston.

Where to Find Wasabi  

A dot of wasabi contains the same amount of 6-MSITC as the daily dose used in the study. But before you run to the sushi bar, know that most wasabi in restaurants isn’t real! It’s usually green-colored horseradish. In fact, according to the Washington Post, up to 99% of wasabi sold in the U.S. could be fake. 

As more accessible alternatives, consider wasabi supplements or mixing 100% wasabi powder into various foods like salad dressing, guacamole, hummus, or mashed potatoes.

Ensuring Overall Brain Health   

Adding supplements like wasabi make healthy changes more achievable for seniors than dieting and exercise. While wasabi might offer brain-boosting benefits as well as a host of other health benefits, ensuring a diverse and nutrient-rich diet is crucial for overall brain health. Other brain-boosting foods include broccoli, beans, nuts, whole grains, and fish, which provide valuable nutrients like magnesium, folate, B6, zinc, D, and omega-3.

While additional research with more patients is needed to confirm this study’s results, the current findings add a spicy addition to the menu of lifestyle changes seniors can adopt in the fight against memory decline. As we age, we all want to retain our precious memories and mental sharpness. This research highlights how small lifestyle tweaks like adding spicy wasabi can make a memorable difference.