Wasabi is a spicy condiment. It grows naturally as a root in Asian countries like Japan, Taiwan, and China. Although it can be challenging to grow, it is a very popular flavor. The plant itself, which grows alongside rivers, is not spicy when grated from the root. As it becomes a paste, hot vapors are released. While people love to eat wasabi with a variety of foods including sushi, it is also very healthy for you, too.

Aids in Weight Loss

Even though it is a powerhouse of flavor, it is a low-calorie food. While other condiments have a lot of fat, wasabi actually promotes weight loss. You can add it to other dishes, dressings, and dips to turn up the taste without packing on the calories. If you like dunking your food, skip the ranch or barbeque and try some wasabi instead.

Cures Sinuses and Upper Respiratory Symptoms

If you have ever tried wasabi, you might already know how the intense flavor can be felt in the nasal cavity. The isothiocyanates are to thank for that because they rise as vapors. However, as they ascend into your nasal cavity, they also relieve nose congestion, cure a sore throat, and prohibit infections. In fact, the Japanese culture has always considered it a cure for sinuses.

Reduces Inflammation

You already know the spiciness felt in the throat can calm respiratory inflammation. However, wasabi is packed with antioxidants, which means it can naturally work as an anti-inflammatory for any condition in your body. From autoimmune diseases to chronic sores or random injuries, eating wasabi can relieve pain and swelling.

Fights Off Infections

Wasabi paste has anti-microbial properties, which means it can keep infections and viral illnesses at bay. You can eat more of the spicy condiment during months when sickness is going around. Besides that, consuming the anti-microbial chemicals of wasabi can also prevent stomach infections and food poisoning. If you like the taste, you can eat it guilt free.

Improves Digestion

Wasabi contains fiber so it can be beneficial for healthy digestion. Eating foods rich in fiber can promote natural bowel movements and regulate the digestive tract. Not only that, it can strengthen your digestive system, in general, to keep unwanted infections away. Even though wasabi is consumed in small amounts, it is still enough to benefit the digestive system.

Prevents Arthritis

Since wasabi acts as an anti-inflammatory, it only makes sense that it could prevent arthritis. Joint pain from this condition can be not only painful but crippling. Eating the root along with its leaves can be especially helpful in reducing inflammation from arthritis. It’s a natural way to help heal your ligaments and joints.

Detoxifies the Body

Free radicals and oxidative stress can damage your body. Wasabi is full of antioxidants that can help fight these harmful conditions. Not only that, the spicy condiment can expel toxins from your liver and digestive system. Detoxifying the body from free radicals, oxidative stress, and toxins is another reason why it is beneficial.

Delays Signs of Aging

If you want to slow down the aging process, then you should add a healthy amount of this green root along with sushi to your diet. Eating the combination can prevent the onset of wrinkles and fine lines along with other signs of premature aging. You can thank the antioxidants in wasabi as well as vitamin C, which is an anti-aging agent.

Lowers Your Chance of Cancer

As mentioned before, wasabi is rich in isothiocyanates. These form glucosinolates, which are sulfur-based compounds. Although more research is needed, eating a diet with sulfur-based compounds might reduce the risk of cancer. A specific isothiocyanate called 6-MITC can help eliminate the chance of leukemia as well as stomach cancer because it can effectively slow tumor growth and destroy cancer cells.

Reduces the Risk of Heart Disease

You can experience a heart attack from the accumulation of blood platelets. Eating wasabi paste might help prevent blood platelets from accumulating. It also helps prevent arteries from becoming blocked. In turn, consuming it may lower your risk of having a heart attack or getting a serious cardiovascular disease.