Health Benefits of Wasabi
Cancer Prevention – Regular addition of wasabi to the diet can prevent certain types of cancer. The most notable and beneficial nutrients found in wasabi are the isothiocyanates. These form from glucosinolates after the plant is harvested or cut. The various isothiocyanate antioxidants are very beneficial in eliminating free radicals throughout the body’s systems. Studies have shown that one form of isothiocyanate in wasabi, 6-MITC, has been clearly shown to inhibit the expansion of leukemia and stomach cancer cells. It actually promotes apoptosis (cell death) within 24 hours of consumption. The use of wasabi may prevent the growth of tumors, even at a pre-clinical or pre-treatment size. The most attractive thing about this type of treatment is that isothiocyanates appear to kill cancer cells without damaging the healthy, surrounding cells.