Absolutely authentic wasabi has health advantages; however, most likely the version you are eating won’t.
Wasabi may be best known for accompanying traditional Japanese cuisine like sushi and sashimi, but this paste also makes an impressive garnish or ingredient in various unconventional foods.
Wasabi can add spice and depth of flavor to spicy vinaigrettes or creamy salad dressings. Additionally, wasabi enhances condiments like mayonnaise as sandwich spread and can add an extra spicy kick to mashed potatoes or soup dishes. Wasabi may even replace horseradish for even greater spice in cocktail sauce recipes.
Wasabi has long been used as an intriguing and spicy flavor enhancer; in Eastern form however it also boasts various health advantages – yet most American varieties do not contain this benefit.
Is wasabi good for you?
First and foremost, it’s important to realize that authentic wasabi comes from Eastern countries while imitation versions such as “fake” wasabi are mass produced in Western nations – typically consisting of grated horseradish mixed with mustard powder and green food coloring for green food coloring purposes – almost exclusively consumed within the US market are imitation variants of wasabi products.
Given their varied sources, both varieties of wasabi offer different health advantages. Authentic wasabi boasts antimicrobial qualities as it contains isothiocyanates which may protect against E. coli and staphylococcus aureus bacteria that cause food poisoning,” states Leslie Bonci MPH RDN from Active Eating Advice; Japan research also suggests these active compounds could improve cognition for older adults while possibly helping decrease cancer risks.
Genuine wasabi can support a healthy immune system as it contains large quantities of vitamin C – an antioxidant which protects cells against free radical damage according to Audra Wilson MS from Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital’s bariatric dietitian Audra Wilson MS a dietitian who specializes in bariatric dietetics Authentic wasabi contains compounds with proven anti-inflammatory properties which may reduce pain and swelling throughout your body.
Whilst these benefits of wasabi may be encouraging, it’s essential to remember they only apply when used authentically – there may not be much nutritional benefit associated with most non-Japanese wasabi consumed outside Japan according to Julia Zumpano, registered dietitian at Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Human Nutrition.
Is wasabi good for weight loss?
Wasabi as a weight-loss aid This information also clears up any confusion surrounding wasabi being beneficial in weight loss efforts. While one widely-cited study indicates wasabi can alter metabolism and reduce obesity, Zumpano notes that all supporting research conducted so far involved rats only and only authentic wasabi was tested – all important considerations when discussing human trials of wasabi’s effects on weight loss, according to her analysis. “No human trials provide proven clinical benefits associated with wasabi and weight loss,” states Zumpano.
Wilson notes that similar studies support wasabi’s beneficial properties for weight management by modulating fat cell proliferation and formation.
What happens if I eat too much wasabi?
Unfortunately, even when using genuine wasabi it may still cause adverse reactions. Zumpano cautions that excessive use may irritate one’s nose, stomach or mouth while increasing risks for bleeding and bruising; consequently it should not be consumed within two weeks after any surgery involving blood thinners or induction therapy.
Attracting acid reflux sufferers could find eating either imitation or authentic wasabi an irritant,” according to Bonci. Achieve too much wasabi can result in side effects including nausea, upset stomach and diarrhea – these issues often worsen for people with digestive issues like Zumpano suggests that those suffering from stomach ulcers, IBD or any inflammatory condition of their digestive systems limit how much wasabi they ingest.