Have you ever noticed a fiery hot paste that comes along when you order sushi? That paste like a thing is wasabi root! It is generally made into a paste and served with sushi. It gives sushi the flavor, and hot taste a.
So what is this wasabi? Wasabi is a small herb that is about 2 cm tall from the surface of the soil. It has broad leaves and can be grown only in certain areas. The cultivation of wasabi is rather difficult as only certain areas are suited for its growth. In Japan, Utougi, in Shizuoka Prefecture is considered as the perfect place for wasabi cultivation.
The fleshy rhizome is ready for harvesting after 18 to 24 months from the time of its implantation. It measures about 4-8 inches lengthwise and 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. The external surface of wasabi is green, and all the parts of this plant are edible.
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The following table gives us the nutritional value of Wasabi root per 100g.
| Sodium | 17mg |
| Potassium | 568mg |
| Calcium | 128mg |
| Copper | 0.155mg |
| Iron | 1.03mg |
| Magnesium | 69mg |
| Manganese | 0.126mg |
| Phosphorus | 80mg |
| Zinc | 1.62mg |
| Carbohydrates | 23.54g |
| Protein | 4.80g |
| Total Fat | 0.63g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.54g |
| Folates | 4.50% |
| Niacin | 4.50% |
| Pantothenic Acid | 0.203mg |
| Pyridoxine | 0.274mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.114mg |
| Thiamin | 0.131mg |
| Vitamin A | 1% |
Wasabi is a very good source of minerals. It contains potassium, Iron, copper, manganese, and calcium. Calcium content in wasabi root per 100gms is 128mg. However, the potassium content is as high as 568mg per 100g serving. Potassium helps to regulate heart and blood pressure. Manganese, present in wasabi serves as an antioxidant by the human body.
The vitamin C levels of wasabi root (41.9 mg per 100 g) are twice as that of horseradish(1). The allyl isothiocyanate gives the famous pungent character to wasabi plant. The compound of wasabi has anti-cancer and anti-mutant properties.
[Also Read: Burdock Root Benefits]
Let us take a look at some of the benefits of consuming wasabi.
Wasabi root contains isothiocyanates. These are formed from the glucosinolates after the plant is cut or harvested. According to a study “Colon cancer proliferating desulfosinigrin in wasabi” conducted, it is said that these glucosinolates reduce cancer risk.
The isothiocyanate antioxidants eliminate free radicals in our body systems. 6-MITC, a form of isothiocyanate inhibits the expansion of leukemia and stomach cancer cells.
Similarly, 6-MITC is also effective against melanoma(2) and breast cancer cells. All these facts have led researchers in using wasabi as a small preventive method against cancer.
The anti-hypercholesterolemic properties of wasabi plants help in lowering the cholesterol levels. It, in turn, reduces the risk of a heart attack. Wasabi plants also reduce platelet aggregation. Platelet aggregation is a form of a blood clot.
These clots are the main reason for heart attacks and other cardiovascular diseases.
The isothiocyanate component is a powerful antioxidant and reduces the inflammation of joints, ligaments that contribute to the arthritis pain. Wasabi also reduces the risk of osteoporosis and aggregation at weak points that causes discomfort to the body.
[Also Read: Natural Remedies to Treat Arthritis]
Wasabi also treats bacterial infections. In a recent study,” Bactericidal activity of wasabi (Wasabia japonica) against Helicobacter pylori”, it is concluded that wasabi has a component called AIT, which effectively kills H.pylori. Wasabi was ranked the most successful in treating staph infections and E.coli. The isothiocyanates also help in neutralizing the bacteria in our body.
Allyl isothiocyanate, a gaseous component released by wasabi, causes a powerful reaction in the nasal passages and sinuses. When this component reaches the nasal passage, the sinuses get cleared. It inhibits the proliferation of pathogens in the respiratory tract that causes pneumonia and influenza.
Wasabi plant is high in fiber and helps in bulking up the stools. It improves digestion thereby improving overall gut health. Also, it prevents gut inflammation and diverticulitis(3).
Wasabi root contains sulfinyl that helps you in attaining the perfect look. This component is a powerful antioxidant that lowers reactive oxygen in the body. It gives you flawless skin and reduces the effects of aging.
Since it fights bacterial infections, you can also use wasabi as a natural sanitizer.
As we have seen earlier, wasabi reduces blood clots in veins and arteries. It increases the blood circulation in the body and keeps the skin soft and clear.
It contains nutrients that nourish the body and improve digestive health. When cooked with peas, they work as low-calorie snacks that can replace a bowl of French fries easily.
While buying a wasabi root, one has to be careful not to choose the cheaper look alike. A real wasabi root provides nasal vapor for only about 15 minutes. Always grate the wasabi root only when you need it. This variety of wasabi isn’t very cheap and does not get widely exported from Japan. For your daily needs, you can instead use a wasabi tube for cooking.
[Read: Benefits of Taro Root]
Here are some wasabi recipes that you can try at the comfort of your home.
The following things have to be taken care of before consuming Wasabi roots
The wasabi plant surely has more health benefits to offer. From fighting deadly cancer to acting as a natural sanitizer, wasabi is a blessing. With all these endless benefits, the preparation time of wasabi dishes is easy. And there are almost zero side effects when you consume the wasabi root. The only thing we have to ensure is choosing the right wasabi root as there are many fake varieties available today.